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Published on: March 16, 2015
Cochlear gene transfer: round window versus cochleostomy inoculation
1Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Michigan Medical School, MSRB 3, Rm. 9303, 1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0648, USA.
Hearing Research
|October 8, 1999
Summary
Cochlear gene transfer is more effective via cochleostomy than the round window membrane, with no significant impact on hearing. Deafened animals showed better gene transfer results.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Gene Therapy
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cochlear gene transfer is crucial for treating hearing loss.
- Two primary inoculation methods are round window membrane and cochleostomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of cochlear gene transfer via round window membrane versus cochleostomy.
- To assess the impact of these methods on auditory function.
Main Methods:
- Adenovirus carrying lacZ reporter gene inoculated in guinea pigs via both methods.
- Cochlear tissue stained with X-gal; gene transfer assessed by scoring.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) measured to evaluate hearing thresholds.
Main Results:
- Cochleostomy resulted in superior gene distribution and intensity compared to the round window membrane.
- Neither inoculation method significantly affected click-ABR thresholds at 5 days post-injection.
- Gene transfer was more efficient in deafened animals than in normal-hearing animals.
Conclusions:
- Cochleostomy is a more effective route for cochlear gene transfer.
- Gene transfer via these methods does not appear to impair auditory function in the short term.
- Deafened cochleae may be more receptive to gene transfer.
