Ferritin transport through the strial capillary during kanamycin intoxication was examined under a transmission electron microscope. Twelve guinea pigs were treated intramuscularly with kanamycin (400mg/kg/day) for 2-3 weeks. When a full hearing loss was recognized by estimating Preyer reflex or ABR, ferritin was given intravenously, and animals were sacrificed 1/3, 1 and 2 h later. At 1/3 h, ferritin was present not only in the endothelial cell but also in the basal lamina diffusely and within vesicles in the strial cell. On the other hand, it was discharged into the endolymphatic space. At 2 h, ferritin was seen on the luminal surface and in the cytoplasm of the endolymphatic cells of Reissner's membrane. These results suggest that the basal lamina of the strial capillary was altered qualitatively by kanamycin administration.
