Abstract
We used intravital fluorescent microscopy coupled with computerized video image processing to examine the cochlear microvasculature. In Mongolian gerbils the bulla was opened ventrally and a small window was made in the second turn of the cochlea. After fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran administration, the radiating arterioles were video-recorded under X675 magnification. Computer determinations of arteriolar response to norepinephrine bitartrate (mixed alpha 1/alpha 2 agonist), phenylephrine hydrochloride (alpha 1 agonist), and UK 14,304 tartrate (alpha 2 agonist) were made at multiple dose levels over time. Findings were consistent with arteriolar constriction in response to alpha-adrenergic stimulation. The presence of alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors was established, and a predominance of alpha 2 receptors in the cochlea was suggested.
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