Changes of the action potential, the summating potential and cochlear microphonics in experimental endolymphatic hydrops.

The changes of the action potential (AP), the summating potential (SP) and cochlear microphonics (CM) were investigated in reference to the grade of endolymphatic hydrops produced by endolymphatic sac obliteration in guinea pigs. In a few cases with minimum endolymphatic hydrops, super-normal AP was obtained. With an increase of endolymphatic hydrops, CM responses were reduced although AP responses at intensive stimulation were maintained relatively well. It is thought that the polarity of positive SP, as observed in control, was influenced to deflect towards negative SP by an interaction between the increased degree of endolymphatic hydrops and the changes of the biochemical components of the inner ear fluids.