Bioelectric phenomena in the ototoxicity of nitrogen mustard.

The effects of nitrogen mustard on the electrical potentials of the inner ear were studied, and the results were correlated with the histopathologic findings which have been reported in nitrogen mustard ototoxicity. The endocochlear DC potential (EP) decreased rapidly after an injection of nitrogen mustard (NM). The amplitude of the cochlear microphonics potential (CM) diminished rapidly, and no substantial recoveries were observed. No significant changes in the magnitude of the negative potential of organ of Corti (NPOC) were observed. A large negative summating potential (SP) was recorded even when the amplitude of the CM had diminished.