Measurement of oxygen tension in human perilymph.

The oxygen tension of the human perilymph has been determined without complications by using a technique based upon the polarographic principle. Carbon dioxide produced the most marked increase in oxygen tension in the human perilymph. No change in the perilymphatic PO2 was observed after administration of eupaverine and low molecular weight dextran. 5% CO2-95%O2 has been found to be the gas mixture producing the largest increase in oxygen tension in the human perilymph, without side effects. In order to achieve maximal oxygenation of the perilymph, the therapeutic administration of 5% CO2-95% O2 should continue for at least 30 minutes. At this preliminary stage it is not possible to assess the accuracy of the presented technique in determining the presence of a vascular disorder of the inner ear in patients.