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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
The Mouse Round-window Approach for Ototoxic Agent Delivery: A Rapid and Reliable Technique for Inducing Cochlear Cell Degeneration
Published on: November 26, 2015
Ototoxic drugs: difference in sensitivity between mice and guinea pigs
A L Poirrier1, P Van den Ackerveken, T S Kim
1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium. alpoirrier@student.ulg.ac.be
Abstract:
The development of experimental animal models has played an invaluable role in understanding the mechanisms of neurosensory deafness and in devising effective treatments. The purpose of this study was to develop an adult mouse model of ototoxic drug-induced hearing loss and to compare the ototoxicity in the adult mouse to that in the well-described guinea pig model. Mice are a powerful model organism, especially due to the large availability of antibodies, probes and genetic mutants. In this study, mice (n=114) and guinea pigs (n=35) underwent systemic treatment with either kanamycin or cisplatin. Auditory brainstem responses showed a significant threshold shift in guinea pigs 2 weeks after the beginning of the ototoxic treatment, while there was no significant hearing impairment recorded in mice. Hair cells and neuronal loss were correlated with hearing function in both guinea pigs and mice. These results indicate that the mouse is not a good model for ototoxicity, which should be taken into consideration in all further investigations concerning ototoxicity-induced hearing loss.
Insights
Mice are not suitable models for studying ototoxic drug-induced hearing loss, unlike guinea pigs. This research highlights the limitations of using mice for ototoxicity investigations, impacting future research on hearing impairment.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Neuroscience
- Auditory Research
- Animal Models
Background:
- Experimental animal models are crucial for understanding neurosensory deafness mechanisms and developing treatments.
- Mice offer advantages as model organisms due to extensive genetic and molecular resources.
- The efficacy of the mouse model for ototoxicity requires direct comparison with established models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an adult mouse model for ototoxic drug-induced hearing loss.
- To compare the ototoxicity of kanamycin and cisplatin in adult mice versus guinea pigs.
- To evaluate the suitability of mice as a model for ototoxicity research.
Main Methods:
- Systemic administration of ototoxic drugs (kanamycin or cisplatin) to mice (n=114) and guinea pigs (n=35).
- Assessment of hearing function using auditory brainstem responses (ABR).
- Histological analysis of hair cell and neuronal loss correlated with auditory function.
Main Results:
- Guinea pigs exhibited significant auditory threshold shifts within two weeks of ototoxic treatment.
- Mice showed no significant hearing impairment despite ototoxic drug administration.
- Hair cell and neuronal loss correlated with hearing function in both species, but the effect was less pronounced in mice.
Conclusions:
- The adult mouse is not a suitable model for studying ototoxic drug-induced hearing loss.
- Guinea pigs demonstrate a more robust and measurable response to ototoxic agents, making them a better model.
- Researchers should carefully consider model selection for ototoxicity studies to ensure reliable and translatable results.
