HAIRCELL FORWARD AND REVERSE TRANSDUCTION - DIFFERENTIAL SUPPRESSION AND ENHANCEMENT

Cochlear outer haircells are believed to play a significant role in an amplification process which greatly enhances inner ear sensitivity. Haircell forward (mechanical-to-electrical) and reverse (electrical-to-mechanical) transduction may be involved. We have produced decreases in cochlear microphonic and increases in electrically-evoked emissions using the drugs, furosemide. The data indicate forward and reverse transduction are not a simple bi-directional process and suggest that the outer haircells are part of a negative feedback system. © 1990.