[On the reaction of the sense cells in the cristae ampullares to experimental loads in guinea pigs (author's transl)].

The different experimental tests brought the explanation about the ampullae sensory epithelium. It was shown that the transmission of impulses by the peripheral sensory cells can lead to swelling as well as to shrinkage of their nuclei. The spicific stimulus for the semicircular canals is the angular acceleration as well as lateral pendular movement. We managed, however, to proove by single semicircular canal, also by linear acceleration a certain transmission of stimuli. The higher the movement frequency, the larger is the volume variations of the sensory nuclei. The cells of the upper and the lateral semicircular canals response to a lateral right-left-deviations with a considerable increase of their nuclear volume. Excluse of a left rotation the sensory cells of all ampullae of the right side react with an increase of their nuclear volume. On the contrary those of the left side react with a decrease of their nuclear volume. Only the upper ampulla respond to a forwards-backwards-movement, also to a vertical dropmovement with a slight swelling of their sensory nuclei. All ampullae of both petrous bones reactet to alternating right-left rotation with a shrinkage of their nuclei. Further more we succeded in recording certain structure and form variation in the claimed sensory cells. More experiments on the cells give rise to nuclear pyknosis. The cytoplasme of the cell body participates also in the process of recharging and decharging of the action potential.