Endolymph and Perilymph in Meniere's Disease: A Report of Biochemical Findings in 3 Cases

Abstract

We assume that hydrops endolymphaticus is the most significant morphological change in cases of Ménière's disease. We do not insist, however, that<i>all</i>cases appearing as Ménière's disease from the clinical view have hydrops endolymphaticus. Three reasons for the development of hydrops endolymphaticus are possible: (1) overproduction of endolymph, (2) hypofunction of the reabsorption of endolymph, (3) disturbance of permeability of the membranes of the endolymph tube. In addition to these possibilities of genesis, alterations of the chemical compounds of the dilated endolymph tube should be expected. Hydropic conditions are not rare in the body, and by pathophysiology we are taught that frequently in such cases electrolyte conditions and their regulation are abnormal. We decided, therefore, to examine chemically the perilymph and endolymph of patients suffering from Ménière's disease, with a total loss of hearing, and in whom the therapeutic measure of destroying the inner ear was performed. Since the