An observation on otoacoustic emission and ultrastructure of cochlea in experimental autoimmune inner ear disease

Objective. To acquire the detailed knowledge of immune lesion of inner ear. Methods. A simultaneous study on physiology and ultrastructure was carried out in guinea pigs immunized with homogenous inner ear antigen. The specific antibody was analysed by a modified immunotransfer electrophoresis method. Results. Three positive bands (with molecular weights of 68.0kD, 62.7kD and 60.1kD) were found in all the sera of immunized animals but not in the control animals. Threshold shift of auditory brainstem response over 10dB HL was found in 42% of secondary system immunized animals and 32% of secondary endolymphatic sac (e.sac) immunized animals. Amplitude of distortion production otoacoustic emission dropped obviously in the above two groups. Transmission electron microscope showed the mitochondria of outer hair cells in the cochlea was impaired in animals with auditory disorder. Conclusions, The research suggests that the immune reaction against homogenous inner ear antigen results in dysfunction of hydroxycorticosteroid during the early stage.