Comparative ototoxic potential of hyaluronic acid and methylcellulose.

Abstract

In experimental animal studies, exogenous hyaluronan (HA) has been shown to exert beneficial effects on the healing of tympanic membrane perforation. As any other exogenous substance, HA may prove potentially toxic, by filling the middle ear cavity, to the sensory cells of the organ of Corti. Electrophysiological (ABR) and morphological studies were carried out in the rat to examine the auditory function and the structure of the sensory epithelium. Rats received either HA or hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose by trans-tympanic injection (middle ear cavity was completely filled up) and were compared to untreated, age- and weight-matched rats. In both treated groups ABR revealed transitory, mild conduction hearing loss, in particular for high frequencies, until day 7 postinjection. This loss recovered completely within the 15th day. Morphologically, no significant degenerative/necrotic lesions were observed in the organ of Corti, from both treated groups.

• Authors: A Martini, R Rubini, R G Ferretti, E Govoni, A Schiavinato, V Magnavita, A Perbellini, M G Fiori
• Journal: Acta oto-laryngologica (Acta Otolaryngol) Vol. 112 Issue 2 Pg. 278-83 ( 1992) ISSN: 0001-6489 [Print] England
• PMID: 1604992 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hyaluronic Acid
• Methylcellulose

Topics

• Animals
• Brain Stem (drug effects)
• Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem (drug effects)
• Hair Cells, Auditory (drug effects)
• Hyaluronic Acid (toxicity)
• Male
• Methylcellulose (toxicity)
• Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
• Organ of Corti (drug effects)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Strains
• Reaction Time (drug effects)