Ionic Composition of the Endolymph and Sensory Transduction in Labyrinthine Organs

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Abstract
The role of various ions in stimuli conversion has been investigated in isolated frog semicircular canals, by replacing the endolymph with solutions deprived in turn of Na+, K+, Cl− and Ca++. Mechanical and electrical stimuli were employed and slow ampullar and nerve potentials were recorded, together with the afferent discharge of impulses in the eighth nerve. The results support evidence that K+ is the carrier of the receptor current, as postulated in Davis hypothesis, while Ca++ is essential in the processes which allow the current to be modulated during cupula deflections and therefore endon hair cells with mechanical sensitivity.