1994 Volume 37 Issue 4 Pages 259-264
Electrocochleographic and immunohistological changes in guinea pigs immunized with type II collagen were still controversial. In this study, we used chronically implanted round window electrode which we have developed in recent years for the purpose of assessing time sequence studies.
Abnormal changes in AP were demonstrated in number of animals which showed threshold elevation, decrease in amplitude, and H-pattern configuration of input-output curve. The pattern of AP changes were divided into three groups. AP changes which exhibited fluctuation of amplitude with time seemed to be reversible but those which exhibited progressive decrease in amplitude were irreversible. From those results, it is assumed that there may be a different immune reaction from animal to animal, and it is supposed that abnormal autoimmune response may be one of the causes for the development of sensorineural hearing loss. In conclusion, we supposed that autoimmune responses may play an important role in inner ear diseases.
