Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Labyrinthine Fluids”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 685 records · Page 38Linked to original sources

Some hydrodynamic properties of the posterior canal in the frog labyrinth related to neuronal responses.

Measurements of the posterior-canal radius of curvature (R), the semicircular-duct radius (r) and the cupula radius (rC) were performed in the frog labyrinth. The Steinhausen-van Egmond equation led to an estimate of the canal endolymph flow, cupula deflection and sensory hair bending during constant angular accelerations (0.2-64 degrees/s2) of opposite directions and increasing duration (1.2-12 s). This analysis suggests that the non-linear canal afferent discharge behaviour exhibited by some units may not arise at the presynaptic level but rather postsynaptically, at the encoder site.

Acceleration↗

A correlation of the effects of normoxia, hyperoxia and anoxia on PO2 of endolymph and cochlear potentials.

Change in PO2 in endolymph, endocochlear potentials and cochlear microphonics have been tested in normoxia, hyperoxia and anoxia on 24 guinea pigs. The polarographic method and construction of oxygen-sensitive microelectrodes is described in detail. The normal level of PO2 in endolymph vaires between 20 and 30 mm Hg. One-minute anoxia induced by breathing 100% N2 caused a decline in PO2, EP and CM, but during recovery only PO2 returned with over-correction to the preexposure level. Hyperoxia evoked by breathing 100% oxygen failed to increase the cochlear potentials and the PO2 in the endolymph. This suggests that vasoconstriction most likely occurs proximal to the capillaries bed of the stria vascularis.

Animals↗

Effects of exposure to noise on ion movement in guinea pig cochlea.

Healthy guinea pigs were exposed to broad band noise at levels between 95 and 115 dBA for 7 days. A significant decrease of the sound-induced cochlear responses, together with a substantial increase of the endocochlear potential, was observed in guinea pigs exposed to noise at 105 or 115 dBA. Microsamples of the endolymph obtained from these guinea pigs showed a significant increase of K+ and Cl- concentrations and a decrease of Na+ concentration, when compared with those from control animals. The K+, Na+ and Cl- concentrations in the perilymph were not markedly affected by noise exposure. When the perilymphatic space was perfused with artificial perilymph containing 43K, 22Na or 36 Cl, the uptake of radiotracers into the endolymph showed a single exponential function of the perfusion time. When compared with rate constants in normal animals, the value of rate constant for K+ was significantly decreased in animals exposed to noise. These results indicate that ionic permeability changes of the endolymph-perilymph barrier are a significant factor in the physiological mechanisms underlying noise-induced hearing loss.

Animals↗

Effects of noise on cochlear potentials and endolymph potassium concentration recorded with potassium-selective electrodes.

Guinea pig cochleas were exposed to either broad-band noise at intensities between 95 and 115 dBA or octave-band noise centered at 380 Hz or 4.2 kHz at intensities between 115 and 125 dB SPL. Cochlear microphonics (CM), summating potentials (SP) and action potentials (AP) were recorded from differential electrodes in the perilymphatic scalae between successive 20-min periods of noise exposure. The endocochlear potential (EP) and endolymph potassium concentration [Kendo+] were recorded continuously from scala media using double-barreled potassium-sensitive electrodes. It was found that the initial exposure to noise at 115 dBA produced considerable suppression of the CM and AP, while the EP and [Kendo+] were elevated above their normal values. When animals previously treated with kanamycin were subjected to the same level of noise exposure no systematic increase in either EP ro [Kendo+] was observed. After prolonged exposure to 380 Hz octave-band noise at 125 dB SPL, a slow decline of EP and [Kendo+] was observed. The relationships between the changes in EP, [Kendo+] and CM are discussed.

Animals↗

Deep-water waves in the cochlea.

In order to obtain physical insight from a mathematical solution of the cochlear mechanics problem, a delicate balance is required between simplifications and refinements in modeling. For the study of the transition of long to short waves (deep-water waves) a closed-form solution is advantageous; this can, however, only be obtained at the cost of further simplification. In previous work the course of the impedance function z(x) was, therefore, reduced to the extreme: in the neighbourhood of the resonance location z(x) was assumed to be a linear function of x - the so-called 'straight-line approximation'. This restriction is removed in the present paper. A 'hyperbolical approximation' of the impedance function z(x) is introduced and it is shown that with this function the two-dimensional cochlea model can be solved in closed form. The computation results show that, for not too large values of the damping parameter delta, the response in the neighbourhood of the resonance location is almost as well represented by the formerly used 'straight-line approximation' as by the 'hyperbolic approximation'. Hence the principal aspects of cochlear resonance are well brought to light with the 'straight-line approximation'. This implies that in the case under consideration the dominant part played by short waves is confirmed. When a larger range of x values is to be considered, the hyperbolic approximation is advantageous. The computed response functions agree better with experimental data from the literature. However, it is clear that really satisfactory agreement seems not possible with a two-dimensional model.

Basilar Membrane↗

Nonlinear aspects of infrasonic pressure transfer into the perilymph.

The perilymphatic pressure was studied in response to various low frequency pressure changes in the ear canal. The pressure transfer was analysed and found to be nonlinear in many aspects. The pressure response was found to contain two time constants representing the inner ear pressure regulating mechanisms. The time constants showed an asymmetry in response to positive and negative going inputs--the effects to some extent proportional to input levels. Further nonlinearities were found when infrasonic sine waves were applied to the ear. Harmonic distortion and modulation appeared. When short bursts of infrasound were introduced a clear d.c. shift was observed as a consequence of an asymmetry in the response to positive and negative going pressure inputs. A temporary change in mean perilymphatic pressure was thus achieved and continued throughout the duration of the signal. At very low frequencies a distinct phase shift was detected in the sine waves. This appeared as a phase lead, breaking the continuity of the output sine wave.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Longitudinal distribution of cochlear potentials and the K+ concentration in the endolymph after acoustic trauma.

Guinea pigs were exposed to 142 dB third-octave band of noise control at 1 kHz for 1 h. At different times after exposure the endocochlear potential (EP), the anoxic negative endocochlear potential (-EP), the concentration of K+ (K+e) and microphonic potentials were recorded in scala media in four cochlear turns. The remaining hair cells were counted in each animal. Immediately after the exposure, the EP and K+e decreased evenly in all four cochlear turns and gradually returned to normal physiological values in 5-20 days. When measured 20 days after the exposure, essentially normal EP and K+e values were observed, with an apicalwards decline, which was similar to that found along the cochlea in nonexposed animals. Abnormal increased EP was observed in some animals 20 days after the exposure in the first and second turns. In contrast to positive EP and K+e values, the anoxic negative EP attained less negative values in the second turn of exposed animals, i.e., in the turn where the narrow band noise exerted the major destructive effect. An almost normal distribution of hair cells and most negative EP values were found in the fourth turn. The distribution of persistent hair cells correlated positively with the values of the anoxic negative EP and amplitudes of the microphonic potentials. It is assumed that, in addition to the difference in K+ concentration between endolymph and perilymph, the anoxic negative EP is dependent upon the functional state of the organ of Corti.

Animals↗

Effect of furosemide upon endolymph potassium concentration.

Chinchillas were anesthetized with ketamine (40 mg/kg i.m.) and endocochlear potential (EP) and potassium concentration in endolymph (Ke+) were determined in control animals and in animals injected with various doses of furosemide (25, 50 or 100 mg/kg i.v.) by means of microelectrodes inserted into scala media. Control EP and Ke+ in the chinchilla were 81.3 +/- 3.8 mV and 158.5 +/- 3.2 mequiv./l, respectively. Following injection of furosemide, a dose-related fall in EP and Ke+ was observed. However, the EP declined much more rapidly than the Ke+, and recovered more quickly than the latter. The recovery of Ke+ tended to lag behind the EP recovery. The debate over whether potassium transport into endolymph and endocochlear potential generation are related or independent events is discussed in the light of recent literature and the present study.

Animals↗

Acute perilymphatic perfusion of the guinea pig cochlea.

A method for the continuous perfusion of the perilymphatic space of the inner ear in the guinea pig is described. Artificial perilymph is supplied to the cochlea and drained away through a tubing system while flow rates from 10 microliters/min to 0.3 ml/min are established by gravity syphon pressure. Techniques are also presented which allow control over the temperature of the perfusate and over the level of dissolved oxygen in the perfusate. Alone with these variables, the pH of the artificial perilymph can be manipulated and various drugs can be added to the perfusate to test their effect on the inner ear. The function of the inner ear is monitored by continuous recording of the sound evoked bioelectric potentials, the cochlear microphonic and the compound action potential. The cochlear perfusion technique has many applications in the study of cochlear physiology and metabolism, and in testing the sensitivity of the inner ear to ototoxic drugs.

Animals↗

Amino acid content of guinea pig perilymph collected under conditions of quiet or sound stimulation.

With the cochlear aqueducts blocked, guinea pig cochleas were perfused with artificial perilymph. The collected perfusates were treated with 5-(dimethylamino)-1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (dansyl-Cl). The derivatized constituents were analyzed by high- performance liquid chromatography using fluorometric detection. The concentration of none of the compounds measured, including the putative transmitters glutamate and aspartate, was found to increase in the perfusate in response to sound stimulation. These results do not support the suggestion that one of these compounds might be primary afferent transmitter of audition.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Response of cochlear potentials to presumed alterations of ionic conductance: endolymphatic perfusion of barium, valinomycin and nystatin.

Two models ('single-pump' and 'two-pump') of transepithelial potassium movement by the marginal cells of the stria vascularis have been proposed in the literature. Their validity was considered by exposing the endolymphatic (luminal) surface to agents (barium, valinomycin and nystatin) which are known to alter specific cellular membrane conductances in other tissues. This was accomplished by the use either of injections or of a relatively satisfactory technique for perfusion of scala media, which is described. Injection of barium caused the endocochlear potential (EP) to increase in normal animals and had no effect on the EP of deaf, Waltzing guinea pigs. Perfusion of the ionophores caused a decline in the EP in both normal and Waltzing guinea pigs. Only the 'two-pump' model (Na/K-ATPase-mediated cation pump on the basolateral membrane and rheogenic K transporter at the luminal membrane) is consistent with the results. The cellular heterogeneity of the cochlear duct, however, introduces a measure of uncertainty into this interpretation.

Animals↗

Endolymphatic hydrops in the rabbit: auditory brainstem responses and cochlear morphology.

A rabbit model of endolymphatic hydrops was studied using detailed functional and cytohistologic methods. Immediately following surgical destruction of the endolymphatic sac and the distal portion of the duct, measures of the evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR) revealed mild to profound losses specific to low- and high-frequency test stimuli while responses to mid-frequency signals remained unchanged for the majority of animals. Rabbits exhibited varying degrees of vestibular upset involving both overt behavior and reduced responses to caloric stimulation. Histologic processing of the plastic embedded cochleae demonstrated distended Reissner's membranes along with extensive damage to apical and basal turn sensory cells and myelinated afferent nerve fibers while the middle portion of the cochlear duct remained relatively unaltered. An atypical pattern of hair cell lesions involving a greater loss for inner than for outer hair cells was identified at the interface between damaged apical sensorineural elements and the normal appearing organ of Corti of the middle turns.

Animals↗

Permeability to sodium ions of the endolymph-perilymph barrier.

The endocochlear potential and Na+ activity in the endolymph were simultaneously measured with a double-barreled Na+ selective liquid membrane electrode. The modified Na+ conductance and permeability coefficient of the endolymph-perilymph barrier were calculated from the rate of change in the endolymph Na+ concentration relative to the Na+ electrochemical gradient across the barrier during permanent anoxia. In normal guinea pigs the Na+ conductance of the endolymph-perilymph barrier is approximately 5 times less than its K+ conductance. Exposure to noise or treatment with kanamycin suppresses the cochlear microphonics but does not result in significant alterations in the Na+ permeability of the endolymph-perilymph barrier. It is likely that the Na+ permeability of the endolymph-perilymph barrier is not involved in the physiological processes which lead to the cochlear damage produced by noise or kanamycin.

Action Potentials↗

Water permeability of the endolymph-perilymph barrier in the guinea pig cochlea.

The diffusional water permeability of the endolymph-perilymph barrier was determined in guinea pigs by perfusing the perilymphatic space with tritiated water and measuring the uptake of tritiated water into the endolymph. Assuming that the volume flow across the endolymph-perilymph barrier is negligible for short periods of perfusion, the water permeability of the barrier is approximately 130 times greater than its permeability to K+ in normal guinea pigs.

Animals↗

An energy-dependent step in aminoglycoside ototoxicity: prevention of gentamicin ototoxicity during reduced endolymphatic potential.

Guinea pigs received a bolus of gentamicin (10 mM for 5 min) by perilymphatic perfusion which normally led to an irreversible loss of the cochlear microphonic potential (CM). Various experimental conditions that reduced the endolymphatic potential (EP) were then superimposed on the gentamicin application. Reversible reductions in EP (and, concomitantly, in CM) were induced by asphyxia (3 min), intravenous furosemide (50 mg/kg), and perilymphatic perfusion of aminooxyacetic acid (10 mM). When the administration of gentamicin was initiated at the time of maximal EP reduction the usual irreversible gentamicin-induced decline of CM was prevented. The results indicate that a metabolic process is essential in the expression of gentamicin toxicity. The data are consistent with the inhibition of an energy-dependent transport of the aminoglycoside. Alternatively, the data are also compatible with the hypothesis that entry of gentamicin into hair cells is prevented by a reduction in their transmembrane electrical potential.

Aminoglycosides↗

Modifications of cochlear microphonic frequency responses following transient changes of hydrostatic pressure in the perilymph.

Cochlear microphonic potential was recorded with differential electrodes implanted in the various turns of the guinea-pig cochlea. Isointensity frequency responses were plotted in normal conditions and after excessive displacements of the cochlear partition. These displacements were provoked by changes of hydrostatic pressure in the perilymph of scala tympani or scala vestibuli. Typical modifications of the frequency response were observed. The most noticeable was a division in two parts of the response zone which suggested the existence of two resonance peaks. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that changes of hydrostatic pressure provoked alterations of the stereocilia in the outer rows of external hair cells, probably in relation with a decoupling of the tectorial membrane from the organ of Corti. These results are discussed in terms of possible alterations of cochlear micromechanics.

Animals↗

Direct measurement of longitudinal endolymph flow rate in the guinea pig cochlea.

The rate of longitudinal endolymph flow in the guinea pig cochlea has been measured with a novel tracer technique. The tracer we utilized was the tetramethylammonium (TMA) ion, the movement of which was monitored by ion-sensitive microelectrodes. Extremely small amounts of tracer were required as the electrodes could readily detect TMA concentrations in endolymph as low as 10 microM. TMA was introduced into scala media in the form of a small bolus, varying from 2-20 nl in volume. To examine whether longitudinal flow affects the dispersion of TMA in endolymph, we compared the characteristics of TMA spread to turn I following injection into turn II, with those of TMA spread to turn II following injection into turn I. The comparison of these data with an analytical model combining the processes of diffusion and volume flow demonstrates that the spread of tracer is dominated by passive diffusion processes with very little contribution from longitudinal endolymph flow. The rate of longitudinal endolymph flow between turn I and turn II was estimated to be less than 0.01 mm/min directed towards the basal turn. This value is considerably lower than recently published estimates using other techniques.

Cochlea↗