Effects of carbogen on decreases in endocochlear potential and cochlear microcirculation induced by ischemia of the cochlea.

Preventive effects of carbogen on decreases in endocochlear potential (EP) and cochlear microcirculation induced by ischemia of the cochlea were examined in guinea pigs with intravital microscopy. The experimental model giving a severe decline in cochlear blood flow (CBF) was established by occlusion of both common carotid arteries and one of the vertebral arteries and i.v. infusion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The results showed no significant difference in the magnitude and pattern of the decrease in the cochlear microcirculation induced by ATP infusion and arterial occlusion before and after carbogen inhalation. However, even with a dramatic decrease in CBF, carbogen could reduce the decline in EP. The results clearly indicate that although carbogen fails to ameliorate cochlear ischemia in the face of a large impairment of the blood supply caused by a drop of blood pressure and cardiac output, it does in fact enhance the oxygen delivery to the cochlea and thus provide a therapeutic means of treating certain inner ear diseases caused by insufficient blood supply to the cochlea.