Ionic composition of the endolymph and sensory transduction in labyrinthine organs.

The role of various ions in stimuli conversion has been investigated in isolated frog semicircular canals, by replacing the endolymph with solutions deprived in turn of Na+, K+, Cl- and Ca++. Mechanical and electrical stimuli were employed and slow ampullar and nerve potentials were recorded, together with the afferent discharge of impulses in the eighth nerve. The results support evidence that K+ is the carrier of the receptor current, as postulated in Davis' hypothesis, while Ca++ is essential in the processes which allow the current to be modulated during cupula deflections and therefore endon hair cells with mechanical sensitivity.