Intralabyrinthine fluid dynamics: Meniere disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Meniere disease has long been postulated to be a disorder of intralabyrinthine fluid dynamics.

RECENT FINDINGS: More recent developments in this field indicate that the control of fluid movement may be at a cellular level and that hormonal influence may be important.

SUMMARY: The control of fluid and ion movements through aquaporins and gap junctions in the cell membranes are creating new perspectives in the mechanism of development of endolymphatic hydrops as well as potential methods for treatment. Intralabyrinthine fluid dynamics also play a role in the ability to locally deliver drugs to the inner ear through the middle ear.