Electrophysiological studies on the hydropic animals with special analysis as an animal model of Meniere's disease

The endolymphatic hydrops was made by the obliteration of the endolymphatic sac in 62 albino guinea pigs. AP, CM and SP were examined at the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 12th postoperative weeks and the results obtained were analysed in comparison with the audiological and electrocochleographical findings in Meniere's disease. Although abnormal SP was frequently found in the both groups, its appearance rates as a function of the time elapsed after the surgery or the first attack of Meniere's disease were different in these two groups. The AP and CM thresholds in the animal were elevated with the similar time course as the progressive loss of hearing in Meniere's disease. The AP latency was prolonged in some of 12 weeks animals. This result was in accordance with that of Meniere's disease in which its prolongation was observed only in patients with long history.