Application of a TNF-alpha-inhibitor into the scala tympany after cochlear electrode insertion trauma in guinea pigs: preliminary audiologic results.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Cochlear implantation trauma causes both macroscopic and inflammatory trauma. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the TNF-alpha inhibitor etanercept applied after cochlear implantation trauma on the preservation of acoustic hearing.

DESIGN:

Guinea pigs were randomly assigned to three groups receiving cochlear implantation trauma by cochleostomy. In one group, the site was sealed by bone cement with no further treatment. A second group was additionally implanted with an osmotic minipump delivering artificial perilymph into the scala tympani for seven days. In the third group, etanercept 1 mg/ml was added to artificial perilymph. Hearing was assessed by auditory brainstem responses at 2, 4, 6, and 8 kHz prior to and after surgery and on days 3, 5, 7, 14, 28.

STUDY SAMPLE:

Fifteen healthy guinea pigs.

RESULTS:

The trauma led to threshold shifts from 50.3 dB ± 16.3 dB to 68.0 dB ± 19.3 dB. Hearing thresholds were significantly lower in etanercept-treated animals compared to controls on day 28 at 8 kHz and from day 3 onwards at 4 and 2 kHz (p < 0.01; two-way RM ANOVA / Bonferroni t-test).

CONCLUSION:

The application of etanercept led to preservation of acoustic hearing after cochlear implantation trauma.

• Authors: Friedrich Ihler, Sabrina Pelz, Melanie Coors, Christoph Matthias, Martin Canis
• Journal: International journal of audiology (Int J Audiol) Vol. 53 Issue 11 Pg. 810-6 (Nov 2014) ISSN: 1708-8186 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25311100 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Immunoglobulin G
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Etanercept

Topics

• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (therapeutic use)
• Auditory Threshold (drug effects)
• Cochlear Implantation (adverse effects)
• Cochlear Implants
• Etanercept
• Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem (drug effects)
• Guinea Pigs
• Hearing Loss (etiology, prevention & control)
• Immunoglobulin G (therapeutic use)
• Infusion Pumps
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (therapeutic use)
• Scala Tympani (surgery)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (antagonists & inhibitors)