Immunology of the inner ear: response of the inner ear to antigen challenge.

The relationship of the inner ear to host immunity and the immunoresponsiveness of the inner ear to antigen challenge were investigated. A radioimmunoassay was used to quantitate antibody titers to keyhole-limpet hemocyanin generated in the serum, perilymph, and CSF of guinea pigs following systemic or inner ear immunizations. The results of these experiments demonstrate (1) the blood-labyrinth barrier is analogous to the blood-brain barrier with respect to immunoglobulin equilibrium, (2) the inner ear is capable of responding to antigen challenge, and (3) the inner ear is an effective route for systemic immunization.