Provocation of nystagmus and deviation by type I allergy in the inner ear of the guinea pig.

Nystagmus, head-deviation, and hearing loss were provoked by Type I allergy induced in guinea pigs with passive sensitization and specific antigen challenge. Mast cell degranulation, edema of connective tissue of the endolymphatic sac and endolymphatic hydrops were histologically observed. These findings indicated that Type I allergy can be induced in the inner ear, and that symptoms analogous to Meniere's disease may be induced by this response.