Neurodegenerative changes in the guinea pig brainstem after intratympanic injection of gentamicin.
Gentamicin (4%) was injected intratympanically into the middle ear of guinea pigs and the effects on the brainstem evaluated 28 days later by immunohistochemistry with an antibody against glial fibrillary acidic protein to detect astrocytes, and by cytochrome oxidase staining to detect metabolic activity. Astrocytes were observed in the cochlear nucleus indicating the possible presence of anterograde degeneration. Deficiencies in the intensity of cytochrome oxidase staining up to the level of the superior olivary complex indicated the presence of abnormal metabolic activity. Both of these observations support the conclusion that a single intratympanic injection of gentamicin may lead to neuronal degeneration along the central auditory pathway.
Rosen
J H
JH
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, BSEB 138C, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA.
Thompson
G C
GC
Hill Britton
B
B
Thompson
A M
AM
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000187:drug effects*; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000187:drug effects; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000633:toxicity*; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000032:analysis; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000503:physiopathology*
D005839:Gentamicins; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein