Perilymphatic oxygen tension and vasoactive drugs.

The oxygenation of the perilymph in response to the intravenous injection of vasoactive drugs has been measured in 67 cats using the polarographic method. Of all drugs used, only angiotensin induced a significant raise of perilymphatic PO2. Histamine, 50% glycerol and 7% Na2CO2 reduced the perilymphatic PO2. Papaverine, furosemid, pyridylcarbinol, naftidrofuryl and low molecular dextran have no significant effect upon the perilymphatic oxygen tension. Rapid changes of systemic blood pressure were found to correlate with subsequent modifications of the oxygen tension in the perilymphatic space.