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Generation of the Endocochlear Potential: A Biophysical Model

Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas

Correspondence: Address reprint requests and inquiries to Robert M. Raphael, Tel.: 713-348-3494; E-mail: rraphael{at}rice.edu.

The generation and maintenance of the endocochlear potential (EP) by the stria vascularis is essential for proper function of the cochlea. We present a mathematical model that captures the critical biophysical interactions between the distinct cellular layers that generate the EP. By describing the relationship between the K⁺ concentration in the intrastrial space and the intermediate cell transmembrane potential, we rationalize the presence of a large intermediate cell K⁺ conductance and predict that the intrastrial [K⁺] is 4 mM at steady state. The model also predicts that the stria vascularis is capable of buffering the EP against external perturbations in a manner modulated by changes in intrastrial [K⁺], thus facilitating hearing sensitivity across the broad dynamic range of the auditory system.