Donnan equilibrium in the tectorial membrane.
Basic properties of the isolated tectorial membrane were investigated. Pieces of the membrane were equilibrated in various bathing fluids and the potential difference between the matrix of the membrane and the bathing fluid was measured, using micropipette electrodes. A negative potential was recorded within the membrane, and the magnitude of the potential was dependent upon the pH and ionic strength of the bathing fluid. These observations suggest that a Donnan equilibrium is established under these experimental conditions, and demonstrate that the tectorial membrane acts as a separate phase in vitro. It may not be valid, therefore, to assume that the membrane is electrically and ionically transparent in vivo.
D000818:Animals; D003051:Cochlea / Q000502:physiology*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D051379:Mice; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D004856:Postural Balance; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D012996:Solutions; D013680:Tectorial Membrane / Q000502:physiology*
D012996:Solutions; D011189:Potassium Chloride