Cochlear potentials of the pigeon: relationships to age, serum cholesterol level, atherosclerosis, and blood coagulation factors

Abstract

Previously we reported [J. G. McCormick, R. M. Clayton, and I. L. Holleman, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 52, 193 (1972)] that round window cochlear potentials of old pigeons that developed spontaneous carotid atherosclerotic plaques were poorer in sensitivity than younger birds of the same breed with little or no evidence of plaques. We also noted that a high cholesterol diet fed to these birds was correlated with a reduction of cochlear potentials. This initial work, which included studies on birds genetically resistant to atherosclerosis was a pilot project on 75 birds. In our present paper we will report further findings from a one year study of over 220 additional atheroselerotic pigeons. The age relationship to cochlear potential loss is substantiated, and correlative sophisticated blood coagulation tests will be discussed. [Work supported by NIH Grant No. NS-12013 and Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Venture Capital Grant No. 2-156-801-2507.]