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Alterations in cochlear function during induced acute hyperinsulinemia in an animal model
Roberto Dihl Angeli1, Luiz Lavinsky, Alexandre Dolganov
1Otorhinolaryngology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS.
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|November 7, 2009
Summary
Acute hyperinsulinism significantly suppresses cochlear function, as shown by reduced auditory potential amplitude in sheep. This finding links insulin resistance to hearing impairment and suggests a mechanism involving the Na+K+ATPase in the stria vascularis.
Area of Science:
- Otoacoustic emissions
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Hyperinsulinism, often due to insulin resistance, is a frequent cause of cochlear and vestibular disorders.
- Understanding the direct impact of hyperinsulinism on auditory function is crucial for diagnosing and treating related syndromes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of induced acute hyperinsulinism on auditory evoked potentials.
- To analyze changes in cochlear function using transtympanic electrocochleography (EcochG) in an animal model.
Main Methods:
- Six adult male sheep were divided into intervention (insulin infusion) and control (saline) groups.
- Transtympanic electrocochleography (EcochG) and blood sampling for glycemia and insulinemia were performed over 90 minutes.
- Action potential amplitude changes were recorded and compared between groups.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed a significant progressive suppression in action potential amplitude compared to the control group (p=0.001).
- Induced acute hyperinsulinism led to a marked decrease in auditory evoked potentials.
Conclusions:
- Acute hyperinsulinism demonstrably suppresses cochlear function.
- The observed effects may stem from impaired Na+K+ATPase activity in the stria vascularis, disrupting the endocochlear potential and affecting cochlear and neural cells.
