Background: A modest increase in the hydrostatic pressure within the endolymphatic space may induce an endolymphatic hydrops which in turn is typically associated with Meniere's disease. However, there is no convincing pathophysiological model that might explain, on a cellular level, how a pressure increases may cause disturbed functions of vestibular hair cells and vertigo attacks.
Methods: So far, models involve osmotic mechanisms leading to electrolyte imbalances in the endolymphatic space. Alternatively, impaired longitudinal flow in the endolymphatic space is considered important.
Results: Recently, a pressure-sensitive potassium current was identified and characterized in vestibular hair cells.
Conclusions: This current may modify the frequency behavior of a cell and may be the "missing link" in a cellular pathophysiology of the hydrops. Ion currents in hair cells offer attractive targets for pharmacological interventions in Meniere's disease.