THE INFLUENCE OF VESTIBULAR AND COCHLEAR AQUEDUCTS ON VESTIBULAR RESPONSE TO MIDDLE-EAR PRESSURE CHANGES IN GUINEA-PIGS

The responses of primary vestibular neurons and perilymphatic pressure changes to middle ear pressure were investigated in guinea pigs with obstructed vestibular or cochlear aqueduct (closed VA or closed CA gro up) in order to clarify the influence of VA and CA on pressure-induced vestibular response. Although the neural response rates and the amoun t of perilymphatic pressure change in the closed VA group resembled th ose in the control group, these values in the closed CA group were hig her than in the control group. Patency of the CA had a more significan t effect on the vestibular response to middle ear pressure change than patency of the VA.