Rbイオンによる内リンパ電位の維持

抄録

It is of particular interest to determine whether Rb can substitute for K in the active transport mechanism of the cochlea. In order to answer this question, perilymphatic perfusion and vascular perfusion with K-free and Rb-substituted media were done using 33 guinea pigs. Potassium-free perilymphatic perfusion led to a decline of the EP after latent period of about 3 min. and application of the Rb-substituted solution led to a substantial recovery. When the reduction of the EP due to K-free perfusion was not severe, subsequent perfusion with Rb-substituted solution completely restored the potential. Potassium-free vascular perfusion also led to a decline of the EP and the CM after latent period of about 30 min. and application of the Rb-substituted blood led to a substantial recovery of the both potentials. These two sets of data suggest that K can be replaced by Rb in the active transport mechanism of the cochlea.