Interleukin-2 affects cochlear function gradually but reversibly.

Abstract

Interleukin-2 (IL-2), one of the chemical mediators produced by helper T cells, activates its target cells via its receptor and induces inflammatory reactions indirectly. In this study, IL-2 was instilled into the round window niche of rats and the electrophysiological effects of inflammation on the inner ear were evaluated by a frequency-specific auditory brainstem response (ABR) technique. ABR threshold curves and intensity-latency (I-L) curves were investigated. In most cases, moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was observed in the high-frequency areas (16-31.5 kHz). In the time course investigation of I-L curves, the responses of SNHL type appeared only 1 day after instillation (day 1) gradually becoming more prominent, to become most pronounced on days 5-7. The electrophysiological impairment was reversible within 2 weeks. Differing degrees of responsiveness of effusion production were observed following the instillation of IL-2, varying from pronounced middle ear effusion causing rather severe mixed hearing loss, to complete lack of effusion. Inflammation induced by IL-2 affects cochlear function gradually but reversibly.

• Authors: T Kubo, M Anniko, M Stenqvist, W Hsu
• Journal: ORL; journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its related specialties (ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec) 1998 Sep-Oct Vol. 60 Issue 5 Pg. 272-7 ISSN: 0301-1569 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 9693304 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Interleukin-2

Topics

• Animals
• Audiometry (methods)
• Auditory Threshold (drug effects)
• Cochlea (drug effects, physiopathology)
• Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem (drug effects)
• Hearing Loss, Sensorineural (diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
• Interleukin-2 (adverse effects)
• Otitis Media (chemically induced, complications)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Severity of Illness Index
• Time Factors