The influence of transient asphyxia on receptor potentials in inner hair cells of the guinea pig cochlea.

Intracellular recordings were made from inner hair cells in the basal turn of the guinea pig cochlea during transient asphyxia. During these periods the endocochlear potential was reversibly reduced, the hair cell resting membrane potential was slightly hyperpolarized and the cochlear microphonic potential was decreased, all with similar time courses. The eighth nerve compound action potential and DC and AC components of the inner hair cell receptor potential were strongly attenuated and with similar slow time courses. The asymmetrical low frequency receptor potentials became symmetrical, and this change was attributed to alterations in the mechanical properties of the organ of Corti. The desensitization of the cochlea during transient asphyxia was associated with the loss of asymmetry of the inner hair cell receptor potential.