The cochlear targets of cisplatin: an electrophysiological and morphological time-sequence study
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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Whole Neonatal Cochlear Explants as an In vitro Model
Published on: July 28, 2023
Marjolein W M van Ruijven1, John C M J de Groot, Sjaak F L Klis
1Hearing Research Laboratories, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85.500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.vanruijven@kmb.azu.nl
Abstract:
Cisplatin ototoxicity has at least three major targets in the cochlea: the stria vascularis, the organ of Corti, and the spiral ganglion. This study aims to differentiate between these three targets. In particular, we address the question of whether the effects at the level of the organ of Corti and spiral ganglion are mutually dependent or whether they develop in parallel. This question was approached by studying the ototoxic effects while they develop electrophysiologically and comparing these to earlier presented histological data [Van Ruijven et al., 2004. Hear. Res. 197, 44-54]. Guinea pigs were treated with intraperitoneal injections of cisplatin at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day for either 4, 6, or 8 consecutive days. This time sequence has not revealed any evidence of one ototoxic process triggering another. Therefore, we have to stay with the conclusion of Van Ruijven et al. (2004) that both processes run in parallel.
Insights
Cisplatin damages the cochlea, affecting the organ of Corti and spiral ganglion. This study found these ototoxic effects develop in parallel, not influencing each other.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicity research
- Auditory neuroscience
Background:
- Cisplatin is a common chemotherapy drug with known ototoxic side effects.
- Ototoxicity affects multiple cochlear structures, including the stria vascularis, organ of Corti, and spiral ganglion.
- The relationship between cisplatin-induced damage to the organ of Corti and spiral ganglion remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal relationship between cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in the organ of Corti and the spiral ganglion.
- To determine if damage to these two cochlear structures occurs dependently or in parallel.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs were administered daily intraperitoneal injections of cisplatin (2 mg/kg/day) for 4, 6, or 8 days.
- Electrophysiological recordings were used to assess ototoxic effects as they developed.
- Results were compared with previously published histological data.
Main Results:
- The study's time-course analysis did not reveal evidence of one ototoxic process initiating another.
- Electrophysiological findings support the hypothesis of parallel development of damage.
- No indication of mutual dependence between organ of Corti and spiral ganglion damage was observed.
Conclusions:
- Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in the organ of Corti and the spiral ganglion occur in parallel.
- These parallel processes are independent of each other.
- The findings support previous research suggesting independent pathways for cisplatin-induced cochlear damage.
