Laser Doppler measurements of cochlear blood flow

Cochlear blood flow in response to dilating agents

Reduced cochlear blood flow (CBF) has been implicated in various pathologies of the inner ear, including sudden deafness, noise-induced hearing loss and Meniere's disease. Thus the aim of some current therapeutic regimens to treat these conditions is to increase CBF and thereby improve oxygenation of the inner ear tissues. Most of the vasodilating agents in clinical use, however, do not have specific experimental evidence to support their effects on CBF. The hypotension which can follow systemic administration may limit their local effectiveness and general utility, just as it complicates the interpretation of the data in animal experiments. In the current study we investigated the effect of six agents, known for their systemic cardiovascular actions, on CBF: hydralazine, sodium nitroprusside, papaverine, nicotinic acid, verapamil and histamine. The effect of these drugs was studied after topical applications on the round window membrane (RWM) and systemic intravenous administrations. CBF was monitored with a laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF). Topical administration of sodium nitroprusside was the most effective in increasing CBF, followed, in order, by hydralazine and histamine. No change in CBF was observed for papaverine, verapamil or nicotinic acid. Systemic administrations of all the agents caused a marked decrease in blood pressure and variable effects on CBF. We discuss the CBF changes in relation to the different pharmacological mechanisms of action of each drug. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of topical application of vasodilating agents in increasing CBF.

Cochlear blood flow and microvascular resistance changes in response to hypertonic glycerol, urea, and mannitol infusions

The effect of hyperosmotic agents on cochlear blood flow (CBF) was tested in normal guinea pigs and in guinea pigs having prior unilateral operations to ablate the endolymphatic duct. Laser-Doppler-measured CBF was normalized to remove apparent changes related directly to systemic blood pressure. Hyperosmotic fluids were given via venous infusion: glycerol (20% and 40% solutions), urea (10%, 30%, and 40% solutions), and mannitol (40% solution). All agents were dissolved in 0.9% saline and the mixtures were given at a rate of 0.3 to 0.6 mL/min for 5 minutes. Control infusions were of 0.9% saline and isotonic dextran 70 (Pharmacia). All hyperosmotic infusions resulted in similar increases in normalized cochlear blood flow (nCBF) that extended to a maximum of 300% of the baseline value in a dose-dependent way during the infusion time period. Within approximately 30 minutes following infusions, nCBF had returned to baseline levels. Saline infusion alone had little effect on nCBF, but isotonic dextran 70 gave a sustained increase to 122% of the baseline levels. There was no difference between the responses of nCBF in hydropic and normal cochleas for either control or hyperosmotic solutions. Measurements of systemic hematocrit at time intervals during and following the infusions showed that transient reductions of up to approximately 8% (for the maximum osmotic challenge) occurred during the infusion. It is concluded that the hyperosmotic treatments tested here are equally effective for short-term enhancements of nCBF in both normal and hydropic cochleas. The basis of the flow increase is partially rheologic and partially due to a local vasodilation.

The effects of Carbogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen on noise-induced hearing loss

An investigation into the effect of Carbogen (95% O2/5% CO2), 5% CO2/air, and 100% oxygen on cochlear threshold shifts caused by noise was undertaken. Five groups of eight pigmented guinea pigs were exposed to 105 dB broad band noise for 6 h per day for five consecutive days with each group receiving the various gaseous mixtures either during noise exposure or for 1 h immediately after noise exposure. A control group received the same noise exposure but respired air. Auditory threshold shifts, as measured by the auditory evoked brainstem response, were measured at 2,4,8,12,16, 20 and 24 kHz. Recordings were taken pre-exposure and at Day 1, 3, 5, and Weeks 2 and 3 after noise exposure. Carbogen, given during noise exposure, resulted in a trend toward less post noise exposure threshold shift (as compared to controls) which reached statistical significance by Week 3 at all frequencies except 2 and 20 kHz. Subjects given Carbogen after exposure also showed a general trend toward decreased noise induced threshold shifts, as compared to controls, but this was not statistically significant. The mixture of 5% CO2/air given during noise exposure yielded no difference in threshold shifts as compared to controls. When 100% oxygen was administered during noise exposure, a marked decrease in noise induced threshold shifts could be seen as compared to controls, with differences reaching statistical significance by day 5 at most frequencies. These results indicate that oxygen (i.e. cochlear-oxygenation) is a more important factor than CO2 (i.e., as a vasodilator) in protection of the cochlea from noise induced damage.

The protective effects of tirilated mesylate (U74006F) on ischemic and reperfusion-induced cochlear damage

We have recently demonstrated that allopurinol, a blocker of free oxygen radical (FOR) production, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), a scavenger of FOR, protect the cochlea from damage associated with ischemia/reperfusion. The purpose of this present study was to determine if tirilated mesylate (U74006F), a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, can also protect the cochlea from ischemia/reperfusion. Eleven Wistar-Kyoto rats were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) a control group (6 animals) that was exposed to 15 minutes of cochlear ischemia by clamping the anterior-inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion, and (2) a drug-treated group (5 animals) that received U74006F before ischemia/reperfusion. In the control group, the tone burst-evoked compound action potential (CAP) recorded from the round window (RW) was abolished and cochlear microphonic (CM) was reduced. In contrast, the U74006F-treated animals showed post-reperfusion sensitivity in CAP, and less of a CM threshold shift. We interpret these results to indicate that U74006F lessens cochlear damage occurring as a result of ischemia/reperfusion and supports the hypothesis that FOR-induced lipid peroxidation may be partly responsible for the cochlear damage that occurs from ischemia.

The influence of intra-arterial infusion of arginine vasopressin on cochlear blood flow in the rat

Intra-arterially infused arginine vasopressin (AVP) elevated systemic blood pressure (BP) in the Sprague-Dawley rat according to a dose-response pattern while cochlear blood flow (CoBF), as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, was elevated only at the highest dose. Skin blood flow (SBF) decreased significantly with AVP infusion. The local infusion of AVP into the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), which supplies the common cochlear artery, produced significant dose-dependent reductions in CoBF with no changes in systemic blood pressure. Pretreatment of the local cochlear supplying vessels with an AVP-specific V1 receptor antagonist attenuated subsequent AVP-induced decreases in CoBF, thereby demonstrating specificity of the response. These results suggest that CoBF is reasonably stable in response to systemic AVP infusion until blood pressure exceeds an elevation from base level of approximately +60 mm Hg. One of the mechanisms responsible for this autoregulatory response may be vasoconstriction mediated by the interaction of vasoactive peptides such as AVP and its receptors located in the vasculature of the inner ear or in the more peripheral vessels directly supplying the cochlea.

The protective effects of allopurinol and superoxide dismutase-polyethylene glycol on ischemic and reperfusion-induced cochlear damage

The purpose of this study was to assess the protective effects of allopurinol, a blocker of free oxygen radical (FOR) formation, and superoxide dismutase-polyethylene glycol (SOD-PEG), a scavenger of FORs, on ischemic and reperfusion-induced cochlear damage. Fifteen Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were randomly assigned to three groups: (1) a control group (5 animals) that was exposed to 15 minutes of cochlear ischemia by clamping the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA), followed by 15 minutes of reperfusion as documented by laser Doppler flowmetry; (2) a drug-treated group (5 animals) that received allopurinol before ischemia/reperfusion; and (3) a drug-treated group (5 animals) that received SOD-PEG before ischemia/reperfusion. In the control group, the tone burst-evoked compound action potential (CAP) recorded from the round window (RW) of the cochlea was abolished, and the cochlear microphonic (CM) was reduced after ischemia. In contrast, both allopurinol and SOD-PEG-treated animals showed post-reperfusion sensitivity in CAP and CM measures. We interpret these results to indicate that damage to the cochlear from ischemia and subsequent reperfusion can be attenuated by pretreatment with allopurinol or SOD-PEG. This provides indirect evidence that FORs may be partially responsible for cochlear damage resulting from ischemic conditions.

ABR findings in vertebrobasilar ischemia

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) changes in the ischemic brainstem condition and the correlation between ABR and blood flow of the auditory pathway are not clear. In this study, ABR changes in two cases with brainstem ischemia are reported. In order to clarify the correlation between ABR changes and cochlear blood flow, experimental studies on guinea pigs with brain ischemia were performed. Changes of ABR in the human brainstem ischemic condition consisted of a decrease of the amplitudes of all waves and a delay in wave latencies. Even if ABR showed no response, it turned to normal when the blood flow was recovered. In the experimental study, the same changing patterns in ABR occurred in parallel with a decrease of the cochlear blood flow, and the cochlear blood flow was not zero when ABR became non-responsive. This suggests that ABR changes reflect the degree of ischemia in the auditory pathway, and that non-responsive ABR does not imply irreversible ischemic condition.

Feasibility of pulse oxymetry to measure arterial O2 saturation in studies on cochlear blood circulation

To understand the characteristics of oxygen transport to the inner ear, the relationship between arterial O2 saturation and cochlear microcirculation was investigated under different respiratory condition in guinea pigs. To monitor arterial O2 saturation a pulse oxymeter instead of an arterial blood gas analyzer was used. When the arterial O2 saturation was measured in the foot pad by a pulse oxymeter under different respiratory conditions, the data showed a close correlation with the results of blood gas analysis. For the measurement of cochlear microcirculation, a pulse oxymeter was found to be a feasible respiratory monitor for animal experiments. With this apparatus our study demonstrated a slower reaction in the decrease of perilymphatic oxygen tension than of cochlear blood flow during stepwise induction of hypoventilation monitored by a pulse oxymeter. Under certain conditions of hyperventilation in which arterial O2 saturation and perilymphatic oxygen tension increased gradually, cochlear blood flow was found to decrease. This decrease of cochlear blood flow could be attributed to chemical controls which are regulated, as in the cerebral blood circulation, by the content of CO2 and H+ in the vascular bed in the cochlea.

Strial circulation impairment due to acoustic trauma

Blood circulation in the cochlear lateral wall after exposure to a non-physiological level of sound (120-125 dB SPL, 3 h) was investigated immunohistologically. Kanamycin (KM), which was expected to function as a tracer of blood flow, was administered to guinea pigs 5 min to 21 h after sound termination. At 5-30 min, KM was scarce in the capillaries of the stria vascularis (CSVs), whereas abundant KM was present in the spiral ligament vessels. These findings differed markedly from those in non-sound-exposed animals. After the initial period, KM gradually did enter into the CSVs, but its pattern of existence there differed from the normal pattern. These observations suggest that acoustic trauma causes blood stagnation in the strial capillaries, leading to strial dysfunction.

Effects of a depressor on cochlear blood flow and perilymphatic oxygen tension

To clarify the characteristics of the blood circulation in the cochlea, we investigated the relationship between cochlear blood flow and perilymphatic oxygen tension in guinea pigs with trimetaphan camsilate induced hypotension. Cochlear blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, and perilymphatic oxygen tension by a polarographic method. Cochlear blood flow generally paralleled systemic blood pressure, while perilymphatic oxygen tension showed a slower response to the decrease of systemic blood pressure. Although there were individual differences in the changes of systemic blood pressure, cochlear blood flow and perilymphatic oxygen tension, they were found to be dose dependent. Since hypotension induced by trimetaphan camsilate is fairly reproducible in the dose range of this experiment, this drug can be used as a ganglion blocking agent in experiments on cochlear blood flow and perilymphatic oxygen tension during systemic hypotension. The change of perilymphatic oxygen tension with a slower response could be considered to be a factor in the homeostasis in the inner ear fluid.

Relationship between cochlear blood flow and perilymphatic oxygen tension

To clarify the characteristics of the blood circulation in the cochlea, we correlated cochlear blood flow and perilymphatic oxygen tension at various blood pressures. Cochlear blood flow was measured in guinea pigs by laser Doppler flowmetry, and perilymphatic oxygen tension by polarography. Blood pressure changes were induced by angiotensin II injection, trimetaphan camsylate injection and blood withdrawal. Cochlear blood flow generally paralleled systemic blood pressure, indicating a close correlation. In contrast, perilymphatic oxygen tension was slower to increase and decrease. However, when systemic blood pressure was lowered more gradually, perilymphatic oxygen tension did not show the same lag. These findings indicate that perilymphatic oxygen tension parallels systemic blood pressure when changes induced are slower and in a physiological range.

Autoregulation of cochlear blood flow. A comparison of cerebral blood flow with muscular blood flow

The cochlear blood flow of healthy adult guinea pigs was measured with a laser Doppler flowmeter and flow dynamics were analyzed on the basis of autoregulation. Angiotensin II infusion was used to raise blood pressure, while phlebotomy was done to lower blood pressure. The characteristics of autoregulation of cerebral blood flow and muscular blood flow were also investigated. Cochlear blood flow was considered to have some autoregulation but was less than brain blood flow, which showed significant regulation. Muscular blood flow seemed to have no similar regulatory mechanism.

Androgenic effects on angiotensin II-induced blood pressure and cochlear blood flow changes in rats

Ovariectomized, castrated, and sham-castrated rats pretreated with oil or testosterone were intra-arterially infused with saline and three doses of angiotensin II while blood pressure and cochlear blood flow were measured. The results indicated a positive dose-response relationship for blood pressure and cochlear blood flow. Sham-castrated males had higher mean blood pressure responses than castrated males, followed by ovariectomized females. Cochlear blood flow responses were higher in the sham-castrated males than the ovariectomized females, followed by the castrated males. In comparison to the male groups, the ovariectomized females evidenced the lowest, middle, and highest cochlear blood flow responses to the three increasing doses of angiotensin II. Testosterone pretreatment facilitated angiotensin-induced cochlear blood flow elevations in all three angiotensin doses. These results suggest that endogenous and exogenous androgens may alter blood pressure and/or cochlear blood flow responses to angiotensin II via different mechanisms.

Hearing conservation in acoustic neuroma surgery via the posterior fossa

An increasing number of patients with an acoustic neuroma present with useful hearing in the tumour ear. Surgical removal of these tumours via the posterior fossa route may enable preservation of the cochlear nerve and otic capsule without increasing the morbidity to the facial nerve. The results of treating 51 cases of acoustic neuroma via the posterior fossa is presented. Forty four tumours measured less than 20 mm in diameter in the cerebellopontine angle and surgery was undertaken with hearing preservation as a principle objective. In 26 cases, the cochlear nerve was preserved anatomically and post-operative hearing at levels better than mean pure tone threshold of 50 dB or 50 per cent speech discrimination was recorded in 14 patients. The preservation of hearing represents a worthwhile surgical goal in selected patients with an acoustic neuroma without increasing the operative morbidity.

Laser light transmission and laser Doppler blood flow measurements on the human, rat and guinea pig cochlea

In order to test the applicability of laser-Doppler flowmetry in monitoring cochlear blood flow clinically, the thickness and the helium-neon laser light transmission of specimens of human, rat and guinea pig promontory bone and human skin were determined. Furthermore, comparative laser-Doppler measurements were taken from the promontory in patients, rats and guinea pigs. Due to the different thicknesses of the promontory bone in different species, the light transmission was found to be considerably higher for the animal cochlea (rat, 15%; guinea pig, 6.6%) than the human cochlea (1.7%). However, a clearly higher laser-Doppler signal was recorded from both the human and the rat cochleas as compared with the guinea pig. The relative laser light attenuation by the human skin specimens corresponded to that of the human promontory bone. The findings are discussed with regard to the suitability of the laser-Doppler method for blood flow measurements in the human cochlea.

Electrically stimulated increases in cochlear blood flow: II. Evidence of neural mediation

In a companion paper, we reported that electrical stimulation increased cochlear blood flow (CBF). This response was found to be an increasing function of current intensity and was frequency-selective, with the best response at approximately 500 Hz continuous sinusoidal current. The present investigation seeks to discover the mechanism of this effect. Direct measurement of cochlear temperature during electrical stimulation revealed no evidence of local heating. Autonomic neuronal activation is not likely, as neither atropine, hexamethonium, nor propranolol abolished the evoked CBF response. Strial activity could be suppressed by the use of furosemide, but the evoked CBF response persisted. Inactivation of auditory afferent neurons with kainic acid also did not change the evoked CBF response. Dimethyl sulfoxide, a potent oxygen-free radical scavenger, did suppress the evoked CBF response to a small but significant degree. This suggests that oxygen-free radicals may be produced within the cochlea during electrical stimulation. Finally, the evoked CBF response was completely suppressed by procaine and tetrodotoxin, with recovery of evoked CBF response accompanying recovery of cochlear action potentials. These data indicate that stimulation of neural fibers, distinct from autonomic and auditory afferent neurons, may modulate CBF.

The effects of intracerebroventricularly administered angiotensin II on blood pressure and cochlear blood flow in rats and guinea pigs

Guinea pigs and Sprague-Dawley rats were intracerebroventricularly (icv) infused with various doses of angiotensin II (AII) in order to investigate central control of and species differences in cochlear blood flow (CBF) and blood pressure (BP). The results indicated a positive dose-response relationship between icv infusions of AII for BP and CBF in members of both species. This relationship was more predictable in the guinea pig than in the rat. In addition, responses to similar AII doses between species indicated that: a) BP elevations were significantly greater in the rat than in the guinea pig, b) CBF elevations were not significantly different between the rats and guinea pigs, and c) CBF was more highly correlated with BP in the guinea pig than in the rat. These results suggest that different relationships may exist between BP and CBF in rats and guinea pigs.

Cochlear blood flow autoregulation in Wistar-Kyoto rats

Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were intra-arterially infused with angiotensin II (AII) or phenylephrine for 10 min. Both vasoactive compounds produced an initial increase in cochlear blood flow (CoBF) as measured by laser Doppler flowmetry, followed by a slow steady return to baseline, despite sustained elevations in systemic blood pressure. These results suggest autoregulation of CoBF in the WKY rat. In a second experiment. All was infused directly into the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) which feeds the cochlear artery. Significant reductions in CoBF were noted without changes in systemic blood pressure. Pretreatment with the specific angiotensin-receptor antagonist, sarthran (Sar1, Thr8-AII), diminished subsequent AII-induced reductions in CoBF. These results indicate that AII binding to vascular receptors may induce vasoconstriction in the supplying vessels of the cochlea, and thus, the interaction of blood-borne AII and vascular angiotensin receptors may participate in the autoregulation of CoBF.

Observations of cochlear blood flow dynamics using the laser Doppler flowmeter

The cochlear blood flow of normal adult guinea pigs was measured by a laser Doppler flowmeter. The validity of this flowmeter was ascertained by its specificity for blood flow and its sensitivity to blood flow changes. Angiotensin II was infused into the animals and asphyxia was induced. The responses of the cochlear blood flow showed a close correlation with those of the systolic blood pressure. These results suggest a passive aspect in the physiology of cochlear blood circulation. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between the responses of auricular skin blood flow and those of systolic blood pressure to a certain dose range of angiotensin II. To clarify the specific details of inner ear blood flow, further studies of the hemodynamics of the inner ear blood circulation should be continued under various experimental conditions.

Blood pressure and cochlear blood flow in the guinea pig

The relationship between blood pressure and cochlear blood flow was investigated in 68 guinea pigs, using the vasoactive drugs angiotensin II, norepinephrine, phentolamine, isoproterenol, dobutamine, salbutamol, propranolol, bradykinin, papaverine, vinpocetine dilazep, and brovincamine. Cochlear blood flow increases markedly and proportionately to increases in blood pressure. By contrast, cochlear blood flow shows various responses toward a fall in blood pressure. In general, cochlear blood flow appears relatively resistant to blood pressure decrease.

Autoregulation of cochlear blood flow in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats following intracerebroventricularly mediated adjustment of blood pressure

Previous studies in our laboratory (Quirk et al., 1988) noted significantly impaired elevations in cochlear blood flow (CoBF) during systemic infusion of the potent vasoconstrictive agent angiotensin II (AII) in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) as compared with the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat, despite similar increases in systemic blood pressure. We interpreted these results to suggest that SHRs have an exaggerated autoregulatory mechanism that controls blood supply to the cochlear vessels. However, an alternative explanation for these findings concerns the potential influence of the elevated baseline blood pressure of the SHR on CoBF. Specifically, if there is an absolute threshold blood pressure that triggers an autoregulatory response in the cochlea, then the SHRs would reach that threshold sooner than normotensive animals because they begin at a baseline blood pressure that is well above that of the WKY rat. The present study addressed this possibility by pharmacologically reducing SHR blood pressure to WKY baseline blood pressure and raising WKY to SHR baselines, followed by the infusion of previously utilized doses of AII. The results are consistent with previous findings and support our interpretation of an exaggerated autoregulation of cochlear blood supplying the SHR.

Cochlear blood flow: measurement techniques

The measurement of inner ear blood flow and other microvascular variables is subject to unique technical problems which are compounded by methodological limitations. As a result, the interpretation of experimental results is often difficult. This report discusses the most important methods currently available for cochlear blood circulation measurements and the technical problems associated with their use. The use of a combination of measurements to resolve problems of interpretation is stressed. An extensive review of the pertinent literature is provided in relation to each method.

Observations on cochlear blood flow using the laser Doppler method in guinea pigs

Cochlear blood flow of the guinea pig was measured using the laser Doppler method. Blood pressure and respiratory rhythm were also recorded simultaneously. The reliability of this method was substantiated by comparing it with the hydrogen clearance method using rabbit auricles. The blood flow of the auricle was altered artificially by clipping these vessels and then simultaneously measuring the blood flow by the two methods (Doppler and hydrogen clearance). The data obtained by these two methods were closely correlated. Norepinephrine induced both an elevation of blood pressure and an increase in cochlear blood flow in the guinea pig. Phentolamine, on the other hand, induced a fall in blood pressure and a slight decrease in cochlear blood flow. In addition, phentolamine completely blocked the effects of norepinephrine on blood pressure and cochlear blood flow. In this experiment, the responses of blood pressure and cochlear blood flow induced by norepinephrine and phentolamine were dose-related.

Cochlear blood flow increases after systemic hemodilution: comparison of simultaneous laser Doppler flowmetry and radioactive microsphere measurements

Guinea pig cochlear blood flow was measured before and after systemic normovolemic hemodilution with high molecular weight dextran. Absolute determinations of blood flow (in the cochlea, brain, kidney and lung) were accomplished by use of radioactive-labeled (85Sr or 141Ce) microspheres. Relative measurements of the cochlear blood flow changes were made simultaneously by the use of a laser Doppler flowmeter. The flowmeter probe was placed on the first cochlear turn. Hemodilution to an average systemic hematocrit of 20% increased cochlear blood flow by 250% as measured with microspheres. The laser Doppler instrument significantly underestimated the actual flow increase giving an indication of 148%. Furthermore, the data, when analyzed on an individual trial basis, showed a very poor correlation between the two methods. The theoretical basis for these findings in relation to the use of the laser Doppler instrument is discussed.

Angiotensin II-induced changes in cochlear blood flow and blood pressure in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Previous investigations in our laboratory have measured significant increases in the circulating levels of the potent vasoconstrictive hormone, angiotensin II (AII; 26 and 64 pg/100 microliters plasma, normal and noise exposed, respectively), during and following noise exposure in the alert rat (Wright et al., 1981). In the present study, these levels were approximated through intra-arterial infusion in the anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat. Laser Doppler flowmeter measurements of cochlear blood flow (CBF) indicated that despite equivalent AII-induced elevations in systemic blood pressure, CBF in the SHR did not increase to the levels measured in the WKY. Pretreatment with the specific angiotensin receptor antagonist sarile, (Sar1,Ile8-AII), reduced AII-induced elevations in systemic blood pressure in members of both strains, but did not change the overall pattern of CBF. These results indicate that SHRs may have a compromised cochlear circulation that is refractory to increases in systemic blood pressure.

Recent advances in cochlear blood flow measurements

Changes in blood flow to the inner ear have been thought to influence or underlie a number of cochlear diseases, including some forms of noise-induced hearing loss, sudden hearing loss, and Meniere's disease. Recently, important advances have been made in two technologies for the study of cochlear blood flow. The first is in the area of vital microscopic studies of cochlear microcirculation, and the second is based on the introduction of laser technology in the form of laser Doppler flowmetry. In this report, measurements are given of changes in cochlear circulation caused by carbon dioxide breathing, intravenous phenylephrine injection, systemic hemodilution, positive end expiratory pressure, and direct electrical stimulation of the cochlea. From these changes, we observe that cochlear blood circulation responds to systemic blood pressure alterations and is subject to local flow control mechanisms. Linearity and speed of response of the laser Doppler instrumentation also are shown. These advances show promise for contributing to our knowledge of control mechanisms of inner ear blood flow and for revealing the influence of various pharmacologic agents of potential clinical value.

Sound-induced artifact in cochlear blood flow measurements using the laser Doppler flowmeter

The laser Doppler flowmeter has been shown to give a response from the cochlea during high intensity acoustic stimulation which is not related to blood flow through the cochlea. The magnitude of this response depends upon the intensity and frequency of stimulation and the location of the probe on the cochlea. Evidence is presented that the response is derived from the vibration of cochlear tissue and/or the bony cochlear shell during acoustic stimulation.

Histological measures of cochlear blood flow. A validation study

Cochlear blood flow in guinea pigs was assessed using histological assessment of various red blood cell and vessel lumen parameters. Cochlear blood flow was either enhanced by administration of carbogen or inhibited by induced positive airway pressure. The resulting enhancement or reduction of blood flow in the cochlea was verified by laser Doppler velocimetry. The results generally indicate that the two measures of cochlear blood flow agree. This agreement was especially apparent when histological parameters of the vessel lumen were considered and when external wall vessels were evaluated.

Microsphere determination of cochlear blood flow in chickens

Chickens were injected with 9-micron-diameter radioactive microspheres. Cochleas were removed through the external auditory meatus, and the positions of all embedded microspheres were drawn under camera-lucida. Constant measurements of arterial pressures and postinjection blood-gas determinations confirmed that injections were made into normal circulatory systems. The averaged estimate of cochlear blood flow in chickens is 0.75 microliter/min. Variability in these data from chickens is similar to that reported from mammals. A potentially important but puzzling observation is an inverse relationship between blood flow to the cochlea and to the brain. The ease of cochlear extraction makes chickens ideal models for study of cochlear blood flow.

Effects of carbon monoxide on cochlear electrophysiology and blood flow

The belief that the cochlea is particularly vulnerable to a reduction in oxygen availability comes predominantly from studies reporting the disruption of electrophysiological measures, such as the compound action potential, endocochlear potential, inner hair cell intracellular potentials or afferent nerve fiber responses by asphyxiation. Because hypoxia has frequently been suggested as an underlying mechanism by which many ototoxic agents produce injury, and because such agents are not likely to completely disrupt oxygen delivery, we investigated the effects of graded hypoxia (using doses of carbon monoxide) on cochlear blood flow, the compound action potential (CAP) and the cochlear microphonic (CM). High doses of carbon monoxide injected intra-peritoneally yielded reversible loss of the CAP sensitivity for high frequency tone bursts, the extent of which was dose dependent. The loss was observed first at the highest frequency tested (50 kHz) and as carboxyhemoglobin levels increased, contiguous lower frequencies were influenced. Recovery progressed from low to high frequencies as carboxyhemoglobin levels declined. Carbon monoxide administration also produced a dose dependent elevation in the cochlear blood flow measured by a laser Doppler flow monitor. The data suggest that carbon monoxide administration disrupts cochlear function only under extremely severe exposure conditions. An elevation in cochlear blood flow may well serve as a protective mechanism which maintains cochlear function in the face of declining blood oxygen carrying capacity and delivery. While the site of action of carbon monoxide in the cochlea is uncertain, the data clearly indicate that elements involved in the generation of the CAP for high frequency tones are particularly vulnerable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of hemodilution on cochlear blood flow measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry

The effect of hemodilution on cochlear blood flow was studied in guinea pigs. Hypervolemic hemodilution was accomplished by infusion of 10 mg/kg of body weight of dextran 40 (as a 10% solution in normal saline), which resulted in an average hematocrit decrease from 43 to 32%. Normovolemic hemodilution was accomplished by repeated exchange of 3 ml of whole blood with 3 ml of dextran 75 (6% solution in normal saline) every 5 minutes until the hematocrit reached approximately 5%. The cochlear blood flow was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Irrespective of the dilutional technique, the cochlear blood flow increased as hematocrit decreased to a maximum of approximately 200% of original value at a hematocrit near 20%. The blood pressure was not significantly influenced by the hemodilution until hematocrit values below 15% were reached. The enhancement of cochlear blood flow is consistent with the expected reduction of blood viscosity and increase of cardiac output. Normovolemic hemodilution with dextran 75 causes a smaller disturbance of systemic circulation physiology and has a more lasting effect than dextran 40 infusion.

Techniques for the observation and measurement of red blood cell velocity in vessels of the guinea pig cochlea

Fluorescence techniques combined with intravital microscopy provide a powerful approach to the study of cochlear blood microcirculation. In the current study, fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated to high molecular weight dextrans was added to plasma to enhance the visual contrast of flowing blood in microscopic images from the guinea pig cochlea. Photometric signals, obtained from video pictures of the blood vessels, provided a means to continuously measure red cell velocity by using crosscorrelation algorithms to extract the time delay for moving features of the image. Alternatively, a small amount of fluorescently-labeled red blood cells (RBCs) were added to the vascular volume to serve as natural indicators of whole blood flow. The speed of these cells was measured by video photometric detection of the time required for the cells to pass between two predetermined positions in the television image. RBCs can be made fluorescent by chemical bonding of a fluorochrome to the cell membrane or by internal loading of the cell with an inert fluorochrome. Labeled RBCs provide a means to determine blood velocity in capillaries having extremely poor optical contrast, a situation which is generally the case for relatively thick tissues such as the lateral wall of the membranous labyrinth.

Laser Doppler measurements of cochlear blood flow during loud sound exposure in the guinea pig

This investigation examined the effects of loud sound of different frequencies and intensities on cochlear blood flow as measured by the laser Doppler flowmeter. Cochlear blood flow was measured in anesthetized guinea pigs during a 1 h exposure to either a 2, 4, or 12 kHz pure tone or high-pass noise (10-40 kHz) at 90, 103, or 110 dB SPL. Cochlear function was assessed using the compound action potential audiogram before and after exposure. There was no change in blood flow in the second turn with a 2, 4, or 12 kHz tone but there was a significant (P less than 0.05) decline in flow in the first cochlear turn at the end of either the 12 kHz tone or high-pass noise exposure at 103 and 110 dB SPL. There were elevations in the thresholds of the cochlear compound action potential after all but the 90 dB exposures to 12 kHz or high-pass noise. No such changes were observed in blood flow or electrophysiology in control animals. These findings demonstrate that there is a small but significant decline in cochlear blood flow with high intensity sound exposure. However, the relationship between this change in blood flow and the development of cochlear damage is unclear.

Drug-induced alterations in cochlear blood flow as recorded by the laser Doppler flowmeter

A number of clinical entities may result from a decrease in inner ear blood flow. Investigators have attempted to determine a relationship between decreased blood flow and such entities. In this article, we shall relate the effects of administration of drugs in animal models on cochlear blood flow, using the laser Doppler flowmeter.

Overview of mechanical damage to the inner ear: noise as a tool to probe cochlear function

The majority of experiments causing mechanical damage to the cochlea involve the use of sound pressure waves to cause overstimulation. This presentation is an overview of the research during the past years on the structural damage produced by noise. The effect of noise on the cochlea depends on the type of noise exposure-impulse or continuous. Experiments have been conducted to determine the effect of increasing intensity, the effect of increasing duration, and the effect of equal energy presented over varying periods of time. The initial mechanism of damage, the progression of damage over time, and the ability of hair cells to recover are discussed. Noise has been used as a tool to probe cochlear function by selectively damaging regions along the length of the sensory epithelium and by selectively damaging one of the two types of hair cells. Results obtained from these types of experiments have given us information on cochlear mechanics, as well as of stereocilia micromechanics and transduction. Information on susceptibility of hair cells to noise confirms previous results, suggesting the presence of structural and metabolic gradients both longitudinally and radially within the sensory epithelium. Moreover, noise lesions have been used to map the afferent innervation pattern to the cochlear nucleus, and noise studies show correlation of hair cell damage with efferent innervation pattern.

Measuring cochlear blood flow by laser Doppler spectroscopy

Cochlear blood flow (CBF) was studied with a commercially available laser Doppler system in 20 guinea pigs. The cochlea was exposed to permit placement of the laser Doppler probe over the intact lateral wall of the basal turn. Ketamine and xylazine were used for anesthesia, and blood pressure was monitored from the femoral artery. In some cases, skin blood flow was monitored with a second laser Doppler system, and cardiac output was monitored with an ultrasonic Doppler system placed over the right brachiocephalic artery. We found that the laser Doppler signal is composed primarily of blood flow supplied by the internal auditory artery. Local pressure on the contents of the internal auditory canal after occipital craniotomy was found to reduce CBF to 15% of its original value in a reversible fashion. There was no change in CBF after bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries. There appears to be a mechanism governing CBF that stabilizes its value in the face of changes in blood pressure and cardiac output. This is similar to the vascular behavior of the central nervous system. Through the use of positive airway pressure and blood removal at different rates, cardiac output could be depressed to varying degrees. The magnitude of decrease in CBF was clearly related to the rate at which cardiac output and blood pressure dropped. This was confirmed when intravenous phenylephrine was given in sequential and increasing doses. CBF increased as blood viscosity decreased, as expected according to the vascular behavior of the central nervous system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Potential role of angiotensin II in noise-induced increases in inner ear blood flow

Guinea pigs were exposed to 120 dB white noise for 30 min and evidenced a four-fold elevation in plasma concentration of the potent vasoconstricting hormone angiotensin II (AII). Anesthetized animals received intra-arterial injections of AII at doses that approximated the endogenous levels measured following noise exposure. A marked decrease in skin blood flow was observed with a concomitant increase in cochlear blood flow as measured by laser Doppler flowmeters. Increased cochlear blood flow appeared to be secondary to the increases in systemic blood pressure induced by AII. These findings suggest that cochlear blood flow may increase during periods of intense noise exposure.

The effects of nicotine on laser Doppler measures of cochlear blood flow

Anesthetized guinea pigs were given arterial bolus injections of saline or varying nicotine concentrations. Blood flow through the cochlea and skin were measured via laser Doppler and arterial blood pressure via an arterial cannula. Cochlear blood flow increased with low doses of nicotine but decreased with the highest dose, while blood pressure increased and skin flow decreased with all doses of nicotine. Control injections of saline vehicle had only minor and transient effects.

The laser Doppler: a non-invasive measure of cochlear blood flow

The present investigation demonstrates the utility of the laser Doppler flowmeter to provide a measure of cochlear blood flow dynamics. Cochlear and cutaneous blood flow were compared with arterial blood pressure during and following exposure to Angiotensin II, 5% carbon monoxide, 100% oxygen, mannitol, and saline. The observations indicate that: 1) cochlear blood flow generally parallels cutaneous blood flow; however, 2) when cutaneous beds vasoconstrict (e.g., AII, alpha-agonists), cochlear blood flow parallels blood pressure; and, 3) under the influence of agents that affect peripheral and central circulation (5% CO, 100% O2), cochlear blood flow may dissociate from cutaneous blood flow and blood pressure. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of local control mechanisms that may be involved in the inner ear vasculature.