The purpose of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms of water movement across the cochlear partition. Systemic injection of glycerin or deionized water was used to induce alterations in the osmolarity of the blood serum in guinea pigs. The cochlear potential including the endocochlear potential did not show marked suppression when the osmolarity of the cochlear fluids was elevated or lowered. Under normal conditions the osmolarity is significantly higher in the endolymph then perilymph. When the blood osmolarity was altered, the osmotic gradient across the cochlear partition decreased. These studies are used as base line data to which water control in the cochlear fluids under pathologic conditions can be compared.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01ES050076-04
Application #
4693234
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
U.S. National Inst of Environ Hlth Scis
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code