Reduced Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activities in the cochleae of guinea pigs with experimental endolymphatic hydrops.

Normal auditory function depends on the maintenance of the unique ion composition in the endolymph. The Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in the lateral wall of the cochlear duct has been suggested to play an important role in maintaining the endolymphatic ion concentration and in generating a positive endocochlear potential. Cochlear dysfunction may indicate changes in the biochemical components and osmotic pressure of the inner ear fluids as well as inadequate generation of intracellular metabolic energy. Dysfunction of the stria vascularis and spiral prominence was investigated in the early stages of endolymphatic hydrops. Vibratome sections of hydropic and normal cochleae were stained histochemically for Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in this study. Decreased activity of this enzyme was shown in the stria vascularis and spiral prominence of the hydropic cochlea in the early stage of endolymphatic hydrops. The results coincide with those of studies of electrophysiologic changes in cochlear function in hydropic animals by others. The results of the present study provide further information concerning a possible deficit in ion transport activity and decreased enzymatic activity in the cochlea.