[Quantification of endolymphatic hydrops in experimental animal model].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate a method of quantification of the endolymphatic hydrops in experimental animal model.


METHODS
Thirty guinea pigs were divided into three groups at random. In control group, there were ten guinea pigs without operation on both ears. Endolymphatic hydrops was induced by endolymphatic sac obliteration through extradural posterior cranial fossa approach in right ear, including 4-week postoperative group(n = 10) and 8-week postoperative group(n = 10). The area of scala vestibuli (SV) and scala media(SM) of each turn on both cochlear midmodiolar sections was measured, respectively, using auto computer aided design(AutoCAD R14) software combined with digital camera, and then the maximum scala media area(SMA) ratio was calculated and compared.


RESULTS
No endolymphatic hydrops was observed in all non-operated ears, however, variety degree of hydrops was present in all operated ears. The average maximum SMA ratio in the 4-week group (2.2231 +/- 0.1996) was greater than that in the control group (1.0971 +/- 0.0644). The average maximum SMA ratio of the 8-week group (4.0142 +/- 0.5218) was greater than that in the 4-weekgroup. There was significant difference between the two groups(P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
It is convenience and reliable to be used to quantify the experimental endolymphatic hydrops with the present method. This study provides a reliable methodological base for the experimental study of Meniere's disease.
Liang
Qin
Q
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China. qinliang03@yahoo.com.cn
Chi
Fang-lu
FL
D000818:Animals; D003053:Cochlear Duct / Q000473:pathology*; D004710:Endolymph / Q000378:metabolism*; D018159:Endolymphatic Hydrops / Q000473:pathology*; D004712:Endolymphatic Sac / Q000473:pathology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation