Experimental autoimmune inner ear disease.

A guinea pig animal model of autoimmune inner ear disease is presented. The functional, anatomical, and immunological inner ear changes were tested electrophysiologically, histologically and by the immunofluorescence test. Using a homologous crude inner ear antigen (CIEAg) we were able to induce endolymphatic hydrops, vasculitis, mild cellular infiltration of the endolymphatic sac, and occasional spiral ganglion degeneration. Threshold shift was seen in 20% of the tested ears. Specific fluorescence was revealed around the modiolar vessels and in the basilar membrane. The endolymphatic sac and duct showed occasional fluorescence in the epithelial and/or subepithelial layers. The findings were discussed in light of the other models immunized with various forms of inner ear antigens. Similarities between the detected specific fluorescence and the fluorescence revealed by sera of patients with cochleovestibular disorders were discussed.