Electrical potentials of the subtectorial space in the guinea pig cochlea.

Precipitation of cobalt ions and iontophoretic marking by Alcian Blue were utilized in examination of physiological properties of the subtectorial space in the guinea pig cochlea. Cobalt ions injected into the scala media were sulfurated and observed as a black precipitation in cross sections. Precipitation was seen on the upper and the lower surface of the tectorial membrane, and on the reticular membrane. Alcian Blue was the most suitable dye for marking in the organ of Corti. Recording sites of potentials in the subtectorial space were identified by Alcian Blue marking. The potentials were similar to those measured in the scala media. These facts verify that the subtectorial space communicates with the scala media through the outermost margin of the tectorial membrane. Thus the sensory hairs of hair cells are bathed in the endolymph of high potassium concentration, and the condition for optimum sensitivity of their receptor function is maintained.