Effects of organic acids on stria vascularis ultrastructure and function in the chinchilla

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of several organic acids (probenecid, sodium salicylate and penicillin G) on the endocochlear potential (EP) and the ultrastructure of the stria vascularis of the chinchilla with the effects of furosemide on these parameters. Chinchillas received 50 mg/kg i.v. doses of probenecid, sodium salicylate or penicillin G, or 25 mg/kg i.v. furosemide. The EP was monitored continuously before and for 60 min afterwards. The stria vascularis was removed at 10-min intervals from animals and from 10 to 60 min after the injection of these agents. Specimens were then processed for transmission electron microscopy. Only furosemide had an effect on the EP, causing a reversible reduction. The reduction of the EP was accompanied by the appearance of edema in the intercellular spaces of the stria vascularis. No significant edema was found after probenecid, sodium salicylate or penicillin G. This was consistent with the finding that none of these latter three agents affected the endocochlear potential.