Inner ear immunology.

Abstract

Previously the authors proposed that the perilymphatic inner ear immune system is independent of that of the cerebrospinal fluid. In the present study, the effect of dilatation of blood vessels surrounding the cochlea of chinchillas on the transfer of serum antibodies to the perilymph was tested. The possibility of local production of antibodies in the perilymphatic space was also investigated by antigen introduction into the inner ear through the facial nerve canal. The dilatation of blood vessels accelerated the transfer of serum antibodies to the perilymph, even though this transfer activity was limited. Results of the study, showing the effect of antibody production in the perilymphatic space upon introduction of antigen into the inner ear through the facial nerve canal, would deny local antibody production in the inner ear, particularly in the perilymphatic space.