Histological measures of cochlear blood flow. A validation study.

Cochlear blood flow in guinea pigs was assessed using histological assessment of various red blood cell and vessel lumen parameters. Cochlear blood flow was either enhanced by administration of carbogen or inhibited by induced positive airway pressure. The resulting enhancement or reduction of blood flow in the cochlea was verified by laser Doppler velocimetry. The results generally indicate that the two measures of cochlear blood flow agree. This agreement was especially apparent when histological parameters of the vessel lumen were considered and when external wall vessels were evaluated.