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Organic acid transport into the cochlear perilymph
1Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield 62708.
Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
|January 1, 1987
Summary
The blood-perilymph barrier controls substance transfer. Reviewing ten organic acids in animal models revealed significant differences in perilymph concentration, challenging prior assumptions about non-ototoxic compounds.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Otolaryngology
- Physiology
Background:
- The blood-perilymph barrier (BPB) regulates the passage of substances from blood to perilymph.
- Understanding this barrier is crucial for drug delivery and understanding inner ear physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze published data on the transfer of exogenous organic acids from blood into perilymph.
- To investigate the concentration gradients achieved by these substances in the perilymph.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies involving ten exogenous organic acids.
- Analysis of data from experimental animal models.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in perilymph concentration (as a percentage of serum concentration) were observed among the studied organic acids.
- Contrary to previous beliefs, non-ototoxic compounds demonstrated the ability to establish substantial concentration gradients within the perilymph.
- Molecular weight differences were minimal, suggesting other factors influence transfer rates.
Conclusions:
- The blood-perilymph barrier exhibits selective permeability to organic acids.
- Concentration gradients in perilymph can be significant even for non-ototoxic substances, indicating complex transport mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms governing the passage of organic acids across the BPB.