Effects of ouabain and ethacrynic acid on the resting potentials of neuroepithelial cells in the inner ear

Abstract

1. In a previous communication it was suggested that the Na-K ATPase participates in the generation of resting membrane potentials in hair cell systems. 2. To test this possibility, we studied the effects of two ATPase inhibitors (ouabain and ethacrynic acid) on the resting potentials of the neuroepithelial cells present in the amphibian sacculus. 3. Both inhibitors depolarized the neuroepithelial cells. 4. It is concluded that the Na-K ATPase is involved in the generation of membrane potentials in the amphibian sacculus.