Protective effects of N-acetylcysteine on noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs

Anna Rita Fetoni, Massimo Ralli, Bruno Sergi, Claudio Parrilla, Diana Troiani, Gaetano Paludetti

Risultato della ricerca: Contributo in rivistaArticolo in rivista

69 Citazioni (Scopus)

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of oxidative stress in noise-induced hearing loss. The present study analysed, in an animal experimental model, the time course of the pathogenic mechanisms of noise-induced cochlear damage and the efficacy of the antioxidant drug N-acetylcysteine in reducing noise ototoxicity. Animals were divided into two groups, exposed to noise one treated with N-acetylcysteine for 3 days and one (the control group) with saline. Acoustic trauma was induced by a continuous pure tone of 6 kHz, at 120 dB SPL for 30 minutes. Electrocochleographic recordings were made from an implanted round window electrode and the compound action potentials were measured daily at 2-16 kHz for 7 days. Morphological changes were analysed by scanning electron microscopy. The acoustic threshold measured 1 hour after acoustic trauma was elevated in the control group to 70-90 dB in the higher frequencies of the compound action potential audiogram, with a maximum threshold elevation ranging between 12 and 16 kHz. During the first 24 h, following acoustic trauma, there was a partial recovery of compound action potential thresholds of about 20 dB to reach a final threshold elevation of about 50-70 dB; there was no further improvement over the remaining experimental week. Animals treated with N-acetylcysteine showed a similar temporary threshold shift but a clear improvement in the recovery of compound action potential thresholds, with significantly reduced permanent threshold shift and hair cell loss. These data suggest that N-acetylcysteine is able to attenuate the toxic effect of acoustic trauma and could represent an interesting molecule for preventing inner ear injuries.
Lingua originaleEnglish
pagine (da-a)70-75
Numero di pagine6
RivistaActa Otorhinolaryngologica Italica
Volume29
Stato di pubblicazionePubblicato - 2009

Keywords

  • COCHLEAR DAMAGE

Fingerprint

Entra nei temi di ricerca di 'Protective effects of N-acetylcysteine on noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs'. Insieme formano una fingerprint unica.

Cita questo