[The dynamic behavior of inner ear fluids]

Abstract

To study the movement of the endolymph and the exchange of substances between serum and endolymph or perilymph, fluorescent dyestuffs were applied directly into the endolymph of the cochlear duct or were given intraperitoneally. In addition, glucose concentrations in endolymph and perilymph were determined after experimental alteration of blood glucose levels. The bulk flow of the endolymph in the cochlear duct in the direction towards the saccule is much quicker in the basal coil than has been described up to now. At the base of the cochlea the perilymph of the scala tympani hardly shows any movement. Fluorescein applied parenterally was demonstrated in the upper coils of the scala tympani more intensively than in the scala vestibuli. In the basal portion of the scala tympani it is practically undetectable. The changes in the glucose concentration of the endolymph were less than in the perilymph. The movement (bulk flow) of the inner ear fluids and the exchange of different substances from the serum is different in the cochlea not only between endolymph and perilymph but also between basal and the apical parts.