Experimental morphological and functional study of gentamicin cochleotoxicity using the regular dose given to

Carla Luiza Baggio1, Aron Ferreira Silveira, Miguel Angelo Hyppolito

  • 1Hospital das Forças Armadas de Brasília. cabaggio@ig.com.br

Abstract

Insights

Gentamicin did not cause damage to external ciliary cells (ECC) in guinea pigs, preserving hearing function. This study assessed gentamicin

Area of Science:

  • Ototoxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Otoacoustic Emissions

Background:

  • Gentamicin, an antibiotic for Gram-negative infections, can cause ototoxicity, affecting hearing and balance.
  • Ototoxicity impacts the cochlear and vestibular systems, crucial for audition and equilibrium.
  • Neonate intensive care units frequently use aminoglycoside antibiotics in newborns with severe infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate gentamicin-induced external ciliary cell (ECC) damage.
  • To evaluate gentamicin's ototoxicity using specific dosage regimens (4 mg/kg/day and 2.5 mg/kg/day every 12 hours).
  • To employ both morphological (SEM) and functional (DPOAE) assessments.

Main Methods:

  • 26 albino guinea pigs were used in the experimental study.
  • Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were measured pre- and post-gentamicin treatment.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized for anatomical analysis of cochlear structures.

Main Results:

  • Functional assessment via DPOAE showed preservation of hearing function in all treated guinea pigs.
  • Morphological analysis using SEM did not reveal damage to external ciliary cells (ECC) in the cochlear basal turn.
  • No observable lesions or functional alterations in ECC were detected post-gentamicin administration.

Conclusions:

  • The tested gentamicin dosage regimens did not induce ototoxicity in the guinea pig model.
  • External ciliary cells (ECC) and their function remained intact.
  • Gentamicin, at the evaluated doses and durations, appears safe for cochlear function in this model.