[Effects of blast wave on methionine-enkephalin-like substance (MES) in guinea pig cochleas]

Methionine-enkephalin-like substance in the Corti's organs of guinea pigs with blast trauma-induced deafness was found to be lowered. The most serious changes occurred in the second turn 7 days after the exposure, MEE was then obviously elevated and almost totally recovered at the 23rd day. The transient changes of MEE suggest a reversible decrease of methionine-enkephalin (ME) which might be a neural transmitter within the olivocochlear bundle. The decrease of ME would possibly injure the resistance of hearing organ to further acoustic stimulation.