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Cochlear effects of mesna application into the middle ear
V Vincenti1, M Mondain, E Pasanisi
1E.N.T. Clinic, University of Parma, Italy. orl.zini@ipruniv.cce.unipr.it
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|June 8, 2000
Summary
Mesna, a mucolytic agent, was tested for middle ear application. Studies found no toxic effects on cochlear anatomy or auditory function in guinea pigs, suggesting safety for otologic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Innovation
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mesna (sodium 2-mercapto-ethane sulphonate) is a thiol compound used for mucolysis and preventing urinary tract toxicity from antineoplastic agents.
- Its efficacy in disrupting disulfide bonds, particularly in keratin-rich tissues like cholesteatoma, suggests potential surgical applications.
- Previous findings indicate mesna may aid tissue dissection in Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the ototoxicity of mesna when applied to the middle ear.
- To evaluate the impact of mesna on cochlear anatomy and auditory physiology.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were divided into three groups, receiving 10% or 20% mesna solution in one ear and a saline placebo in the contralateral ear.
- Cochlear toxicity was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
- Auditory function was assessed via auditory brain-stem response (ABR) testing.
Main Results:
- TEM and SEM analyses revealed no observable toxic effects on the cochlear morphology in mesna-treated ears compared to controls.
- Auditory brain-stem response (ABR) testing showed no significant differences in thresholds, wave III amplitude, or latency between mesna-treated and placebo-treated ears.
Conclusions:
- Mesna application to the middle ear does not appear to cause cochlear toxicity at the tested concentrations.
- The findings support the potential safety of using mesna as an adjunct in middle ear surgical procedures, such as cholesteatoma removal.