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Single ototopical application of mesna has no ototoxic effects on guinea pig cochlear hair cells: a morphological
M P Van Spaendonck1, J P Timmermans, J Claes
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. mivaspa@ruca.ua.ac.be
Abstract:
Mesna (Mistabron) is a mucolytic substance that is also used for chemically assisted dissection during cholesteatoma surgery. The present animal study aims to evaluate its possible ototoxic side effects. To this end, the right tympanic cavity of 9 guinea pigs was filled with either 20% mesna or 10% neomycin (serving as a positive control), while the left tympanic cavity was filled with saline (serving as a negative control). One week after administration, the inner ears were dissected out and further processed for morphological evaluation by means of either interference contrast microscopy or scanning electron microscopy. No macroscopic signs of middle ear inflammation were observed in any of the ears treated. Whereas damage was obvious in all neomycin-treated specimens, the morphology of both saline- and mesna-treated inner ears was unaffected. These findings led us to conclude that, at least on a morphological basis, no indications are at hand to assume ototoxic effects of this mucolytic substance due to a single application during cholesteatoma surgery.
Insights
Mesna, a mucolytic agent used in cholesteatoma surgery, showed no ototoxic side effects in guinea pigs. Morphological evaluation of inner ears confirmed its safety after single application, unlike neomycin.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Surgical Innovation
- Medical Chemistry
Background:
- Mesna is a mucolytic agent utilized in cholesteatoma surgery for chemical dissection.
- Potential ototoxic effects of mesna require thorough investigation due to its surgical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ototoxic side effects of mesna following its application in cholesteatoma surgery.
- To compare the ototoxicity of mesna with a known ototoxic agent (neomycin) and a control (saline).
Main Methods:
- The study involved administering 20% mesna or 10% neomycin to the middle ear of guinea pigs, with saline as a control.
- Inner ears were harvested one week post-administration for morphological analysis using interference contrast and scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- No macroscopic signs of middle ear inflammation were observed in any treatment group.
- Neomycin administration resulted in obvious inner ear damage.
- Inner ears treated with mesna or saline exhibited unaffected morphology.
Conclusions:
- Morphological evaluation indicates that mesna does not cause ototoxic effects after a single application.
- These findings suggest mesna is safe for use in cholesteatoma surgery from an ototoxicity perspective.