Loss of perilymph affects electrocochleographic potentials in the guinea pig

Alterations of electrocochleographic (ECoG) potentials recorded from guinea pig cochleae have been reported to occur following round window (RW) membrane perforation (perilymphatic fistula). To further evaluate the pathophysiology of perilymphatic fistula, a study was conducted of the short-term effects of acute RW membrane perforation on the amplitude of the summating potential (SP) and the action potential (AP), and the SP:AP ratio. Acute RW membrane perforation was produced in 15 Hartley guinea pigs. The animals were placed in a head dependent position, so that some perilymph would drain from the inner ear following RW perforation. For both click and low frequency tone burst stimuli (2 kHz), the mean AP amplitudes showed variable but progressive deterioration with time following RW membrane perforation. Action potential latencies showed a significant increase with time for both click and tone burst stimuli. Summating potential amplitudes for click and tone burst were typically stable or slightly decreased. Interanimal variability of all measures was typically high. However, AP and SP amplitudes in the same animal were consistently and differentially affected by perforation of the RW membrane. There also were differential effects on the positive and the negative components of the SP, suggesting the interplay of several generator mechanisms. The authors conclude that AP amplitude and, consequently, the SP:AP ratio are sensitive to the creation of a perilymphatic fistula. These results provide support for the use of ECoG tests in the diagnosis of perilymphatic fistula.