Positive and negative DC potential in the vestibular system of pigeons.
DC potential in the ampulla of pigeons was studied using a glass microelectrode. After the extirpation of the cochlear duct no change in the DC potential was found. A reduction of the negative DC potential due to anoxia (anoxia-sensitive negative potential, ASNP) was found in the ethacrynic acid (EA)-intoxicated ear, while this finding was minimal or absent in the ouabain-intoxicated ear. The perilymphatic perfusion with K(+)-substituted Ringer's solution resulted in a rapid reduction of the negativity due to EA or ouabain. These findings indicate that the positive DC potential in the ampulla seems to be produced by itself and K+ diffusion potential is the main source of negative DC potential. ASNP may be the unique potential in the EA-intoxicated ear in warm-blooded animals.
Tsujikawa
S
S
Department of Otolaryngology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Ninoyu
O
O
Amano
H
H
Yamashita
T
T
Kumazawa
T
T
D000818:Animals; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D003053:Cochlear Duct / Q000502:physiology*; D010856:Columbidae; D004710:Endolymph / Q000502:physiology*; D004976:Ethacrynic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D000860:Hypoxia / Q000503:physiopathology; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008839:Microelectrodes; D010042:Ouabain / Q000494:pharmacology; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology
D010042:Ouabain; D004976:Ethacrynic Acid; D011188:Potassium