[Histocochleographic studies of the late toxicity of cisplatin]

The aim of the investigation was to determine in an animal model the time required for cochlear changes to appear after cisplatin therapy, i.e. whether there is any late ototoxicity detectable. For this purpose we performed histochochleographic studies in the laboratory rat. In two trials different groups of 6-7 rats were given a single daily dose of 2 mg/kg body wt. cisplatin over 5 days. After various periods of time surface preparations of the organ of Corti were performed. The results obtained showed that cochlear damage was evident as early as 4 days after the final injection of drug and no further significant changes in cochlear damage could be seen during the period of observation.