Effects of circulatory disturbance on the cochlea.

In order to determine the effects on the cochlea of circulatory disturbance in the basilar artery system, the cochlear action potential (AP) and the cochlear blood flow were measured in cats with the artery occluded. The occlusion was performed in the basilar, the anterior cerebellar and in the internal auditory arteries. During occlusion the decrease in the cochlear blood flow was greatest in the internal auditory artery and the least in the basilar artery. While the cochlear blood flow showed various levels of decrease depending on the occlusion site and the individual animal, the degree of AP alteration correlated with the decreased rate in the cochlear blood flow.