Experimental cochleo-vestibular deafferentation with NaCl.

An animal experiment was performed to evaluate structural and ultrastructural changes in the inner ear as a result of placing 10-12 crystals of reagent grade sodium chloride (NaCl) in the vestibule. Chinchillas were sacrificed 8 and 24 hours after treatment and the cochlear and vestibular tissues were examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Inner ear pathology consisted of extensive degenerative changes in morphology of all sensory structures of the inner ear. The extent of these pathological changes supports the idea of eventual total deafferentation of the inner ear.