Permeability of Cochlear Partitions: Comparison with Blood-Brain Barrier

Abstract

The passage of Vitamin C, iodides and chlorpromazine into the brain and the three cochlear scalae was measured by positive polarography. Reissner's membrane and possibly the reticular lamina of the basilar partition are impermeable to these compounds. The remaining portion of the basilar membrane and stria vascularis are permeable to iodides and Vitamin C, but not to chlorpromazine. The blood-brain barrier is permeable to all three compounds.