Abstract
The effects of streptomycin and kanamycin on the goldfish's saccular microphonic potentials were examined following their local application with a perfusion technique. The results obtained were compared with those of other drugs.
Streptomycin and kanamycin suppressed microphonics only when they were administered intraluminally to the sacculus but showed almost no effect when administered extraluminally.
Metabolic inhibitors (cyanide, azide, DNP), quinine, and procaine also suppressed microphonics, but, unlike streptomycin and kanamycin, there was no difference in their effects if administered to the luminal side or to the extraluminal side. Namely, cyanide and azide at 5×10-4g/ml, DNP at 5×10-3g/ml, quinine at 1×10-4g/ml and procaine over 2×10-3g/ml suppressed microphonic potentials through either route of administration. Tetrodotoxin and salicylates showed no effect on microphonics.
The site and the possible mechanism of action of streptomycin and kanamycin on hair cells were discussed by comparing their effects with those of other drugs.
