Valli P, Zucca G, Casella C
Acta Otolaryngol. 1979 May-Jun;87(5-6):466-71. doi: 10.3109/00016487909126453.
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.
