An experimental study of inner ear pathology due to NaCl on the round window.
An animal experiment was performed to evaluate structural and ultrastructural changes to the inner ear as a result of placing 3-4 crystals of reagent grade sodium chloride (NaCl) on the round window membrane. Chinchillas were sacrificed at 8 and 24 hours after treatment and the cochlear and vestibular tissues were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Inner ear pathology consisted of destruction of both sensory and supporting cells in the basal turn of the organ of Corti, atrophy of the stria vascularis and alterations to the otoconia and the maculae and ampullae of the vestibular system. This study demonstrates that NaCl in the middle ear does not provide a model for Meniere's disease as previously suggested by Arslan. It may, however, be utilized in the destructive treatment of selected inner ear disorders.
D000818:Animals; D002682:Chinchilla; D003051:Cochlea / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000473:pathology; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D009925:Organ of Corti / Q000473:pathology; D012405:Round Window, Ear / Q000187:drug effects*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000633:toxicity*; D013997:Time Factors; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000473:pathology
D012965:Sodium Chloride