Abstract
The effects of glycerol and mannitol on oxygen tension of the cochlear perilymph were studied with a polarographic technique in the guinea pig. Following a transient fall immediately after the intravenous administration of each drug, the oxygen tension increased to reach a peak 5 to 10minutes later, and then decreased gradually. The magnitude and duration of the oxygen tension increase were larger after the administration of glycerol than after that of mannitol. These results were in good agreement with the clinical experience that glycerol is more effective than mannitol in increasing hearing in Meniere's disease. The increase of oxygen tension in the cochlea, therefore, is considered to be one of the possible contributory factors in the improvement of hearing in patients with Meniere's disease after glycerol administration.
