Microvascular disorder of the stria vascularis in endolymphatic hydrops.

To investigate the role of pathology of the stria vascularis in endolymphatic hydrops, the vascularity and atrophy of the stria were examined by histological observation in guinea pig temporal bones affected by experimental endolymphatic hydrops. Blood cell sludge and vasoconstriction accompanied by strial atrophy were observed in the coiled arteriole and capillary of the stria vascularis of the ear with endolymphatic hydrops after exposure to noise, suggesting the development of inner ear circulatory disturbance. Furthermore, these findings were observed around the upper turn of the cochlea. The effect of glycerol and difenidol hydrochloride on endolymphatic hydrops was also examined. Vasoconstriction and blood cell sludge disappeared following administration of these agents, accompanied by collapse. These findings suggest the possibility that the circulatory disturbance might be the cause of endolymphatic hydrops, followed by strial atrophy.