Effect of Tetrodotoxin and Procaine on Cochlear Potentials

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Abstract
Tetrodotoxin or procaine was introduced into the scala tympani or scala media. The cochlear potentials-including the negative potential in the organ of Corti[long dash]were recorded before, during, and after the introduction. Tetrodotoxin at a concentration of 5 x 10-8 and 1 x 10-7 g/ml blocked the action potential but had little effect on the resting potential and cochlear microphonic, when it was introduced into the scala tympani, whereas the endococh-lear potential showed a temporary increase. The mechanism underlying the generation of the receptor potential is discussed, and the production of the cochlear microphonic depends on the presence of K ions in the endolymph.