[Evaluation of adenosine triphosphatase in the stria vascularis and spiral ligament of the normal guinea pig].

The enzymatic ATP-hydrolyzing system in the stria vascularis and spiral ligament of the normal guinea pig was investigated. The existence of membrane ATPase, which is said to be closely related to the active transport of sodium and potassium across biological membranes, was established. The membrane ATPase in the present study was found to be similar in many respects to that found in various tissues. The activity of the membrane ATPase in the stria vascularis and spiral ligament was considered to be fairly high in comparis-in to other secretory tissues. The distribution of the enzyme activity among various portions of the membranous labyrinth was also demonstrated.