Complements are known to relate to many inflammatory reactions. C4a C3a and C5a, known as anaphylatoxins, are known to cause strong inflammatory reactions. In this study, the influence of anaphylatoxins to the cochlea from the tympanic cavity was observed. Fifteen male Hartley guinea pigs, weighing about 350grs, all susceptible to preyer's reflex, were used in this study. Anaphylatoxins were made from guinea pig serum treated with zymosan, and were inoculated into the tympanic cavity of guinea pigs. Pathological changes in the inner ears were observed by light microscopy. Reissner's membranes were collapsed in some animals (60%). The stria vascularis in the various cochlear turns were extremely atrophied (40%) and some cochlear nerves showed degeneration. These results suggested the influence of anaphylatoxins to the cochlea from the middle ear.
