Induction of apoptotic pathway in the vestibule of cisplatin (CDDP)-treated guinea pigs
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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Cochlear Implantation in the Guinea Pig
Published on: June 15, 2018
K Watanabe1, K Jinnouchi, S Baba
1Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan. bxp02646@nifty.ne.jp
Background:
During the process of apoptosis, double-stranded DNA is broken into single-stranded DNA by the action of caspases and caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease. We immunohistochemically examined the apoptotic changes induced by cisplatin in the vestibule of guinea pigs.
Materials And Methods:
Cisplatin (10 mg/kg b.w.) was intraperitoneally injected into guinea pigs and, 3 days after the injection, the animals were sacrificed by intracardiac perfusion of fixative. The temporal bones were then removed and immunohistochemically stained for caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease or caspase 3.
Results:
Both caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease and caspase 3 were observed in the dark cell area, transitional area and the sensory epithelium.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that apoptosis is involved in the vestibular dysfunction of the CDDP-treated patients.
Insights
Cisplatin induces apoptosis in guinea pig vestibules, evidenced by caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease and caspase 3 in key areas. This suggests apoptosis contributes to vestibular dysfunction in cisplatin-treated patients.
Area of Science:
- Ototolaryngology
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Apoptosis involves DNA fragmentation by caspases and caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease.
- Cisplatin is a chemotherapy drug known to induce apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of apoptosis in cisplatin-induced vestibular changes in guinea pigs.
- To examine the expression of apoptosis markers in the guinea pig vestibule after cisplatin administration.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were injected with cisplatin (10 mg/kg).
- Temporal bones were harvested 3 days post-injection.
- Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease and caspase 3.
Main Results:
- Caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease and caspase 3 were detected in the dark cell area, transitional area, and sensory epithelium.
- These findings indicate apoptotic activity in specific vestibular regions.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is a significant mechanism underlying cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
- The observed apoptotic changes suggest a link between cisplatin treatment and vestibular dysfunction.
