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Pathophysiology of inner ear fluid imbalance
S K Juhn1, K Ikeda, T Morizono
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis 55455.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Stress hormones like epinephrine can disrupt inner ear fluid balance, leading to auditory nerve dysfunction and potential hearing loss. This highlights a link between the autonomic nervous system and cochlear function.
Area of Science:
- Oto-neurology
- Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Inner ear fluid homeostasis is critical for auditory and vestibular function.
- Meniere's syndrome is hypothesized to involve inner ear fluid imbalance.
- Hormonal influences on inner ear function are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and inner ear function.
- To explore mechanisms of inner ear dysfunction under experimental conditions.
- To examine the impact of stress hormones on cochlear function.
Main Methods:
- Infusion of supraphysiologic amounts of epinephrine (a stress hormone).
- Measurement of serum and perilymph osmolality.
- Assessment of auditory nerve compound action potential (CAP).
Main Results:
- Epinephrine infusion elevated serum and perilymph osmolality.
- Auditory nerve CAP showed elevated thresholds, prolonged latency, and depressed amplitude.
- Effects were most pronounced at high frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Epinephrine-induced hearing loss may result from increased perilymphatic osmolality and ionic imbalance.
- Autonomic system and cochlear function link may explain hormonal imbalance-induced inner ear dysfunction.
- Findings may contribute to understanding Meniere's syndrome mechanisms.