Effect of Aluminum on Endocochlear Potential of Guinea Pig

Abstract

The experiments were performed on following three groups of guinea pigs with normal Preyer reflex.
Group 1 animals were fed with diet containing 2% aluminum chloride and given daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.5% elemental aluminum solution prepared by aluminum lactate. Group 2 animals were given 2-3 times a week intraperitoneal injections of the same solution used in group 1.
Group 3 animals were untreated by aluminum (control).
The following results were obtained;
1) In group 1, group 2, aluminum treated groups, it was observed that the time course of decline of EP by anoxia delayed significantly compared with group 3 (control).
2) Serum aluminum concentrations in group 1 and 2 elevated 100 times of control.
3) Serum inorganic phosphorus concentrations of group 1 and 2 were decreased significantly.
4) Blood ATP level of group 1 also decreased significantly.
The delay of decline time course of EP by anoxia in the aluminum treated animals might be caused by the inhibition of Na-K-ATPase by aluminum in vivo.