EFFECT OF POTASSIUM ON THE ACTIVITY OF AUDITORY-NERVE FIBERS OF THE GUINEA-PIG COCHLEA

Scala tympani of the guinea pig cochlea was perfused with solutions having an increased potassium concentration. The response characteristics of single auditory nerve fibres in both normal and kanamycin-damaged cochleas were studied using computer controlled routines. The results indicate that these perfusions caused a marked increase in the spontaneous firing rate of auditory nerve fibres, without loss of threshold sensitivity. Current theories of cochlear transduction support the view that the potassium concentration difference across the reticular plate is fundamental to the sensitivity of the cochlea. The results presented here do not support this view. © 1979 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.