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The origin of the low-frequency microphonic in the first cochlear turn of guinea-pig
R B Patuzzi1, G K Yates, B M Johnstone
1Department of Physiology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
Abstract:
Low-frequency microphonic potentials (100 Hz to 2000 Hz) have been measured in the first turn of the guinea pig cochlea before and after a variety of manipulations of the cochlea. These included ablation of the apical turns, iontophoresis of streptomycin, dc current injection into the first turn, acoustic trauma and two-tone interference with pure tones. These manipulations indicate that the low-frequency microphonic measured in the first turn and at the round window is generated predominantly by the hair cells of this region. It is a convenient and relatively uncomplicated indicator of the integrity of the mechano-electrical transduction process of these cells.