The Effects of Intravenous Glycerol Injection on the Electrolytes Concentrations of Inner Ear Fluids

Abstract

Under sodium pentobarbital anesthesia (25-35mg/kg I. P), serum, cerebrospinal fluids (CSF), perilymph from the scala tympani and from the scala vestibuli and endolymph from the scala media were collected from normal guinea pigs after intravenous injection of Glycerol (1.0ml/kg) was administered. Sodium and potassium concentrations were assessed using microflame photometry.
Increase in sodium concentration was found in CSF and perilymph in the scala tympani, while no significant change was observed in serum, the scala vestibuli and endolymph in the scala media. Increase in potassium concentration was found only in the scala vestibule.
The increase of sodium was considered as a result of the dehydration process caused by Glycerol as the osmotic agent. On the other hand, the potassium increase found in the scala vestibuli was thought as a result of the leakage from the scala media.