Effect of ethacrynic acid upon the peripheral vestibular nystagmus.

The effect of ethacrynic acid (ETA) upon pendular rotation nystagmus and paralytic nystagmus was examined using 61 guinea pigs. 100 mg/kg ETA reduced these nystagmus but 30 mg/kg ETA had on effect. Galvanic nystagmus, Bechterew's compensatory nystagmus, OKN and EEG were not affected by 100 ng/kg ETA. These results are highly suggestive that the inhibition of the peripheral vestibular nystagmus by ETA is mainly due to the reduction of the ampullar endolymphatic potential.