Effects of sodium bromate on ionic concentrations and osmolalities of the cochlear fluids in guinea pigs.

Effects of sodium bromate on cochlear potentials and electrolyte composition of the cochlear fluids in guinea pigs were investigated following administration of sodium bromate into the cochlea, using perilymphatic perfusion. Cochlear microphonics and the whole nerve action potential of the auditory nerve were markedly suppressed. The K+ and Cl- activities in the endolymph as well as the endocochlear dc potential (EP) decreased significantly and irreversibly, in proportion to the concentration of sodium bromate. A negative EP never developed during the monitoring of 120 min. Microsamples of the endolymph showed substantial decreases of K+ and Cl- concentrations and an increase in the concentration of Na+. Osmolality of the endolymph was much lower than that of the perilymph. The severe edema of the stria vascularis and collapse of Reissner's membrane were histologically evident. These events suggest a breakdown of the endolymph-perilymph barrier, coincident with an inhibition of the strial active transport, as a result of the ototoxic action of sodium bromate. The possible ion and water movement across the endolymph-perilymph barrier in the presence of sodium bromate is discussed.