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Updated: May 28, 2026
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A Revised Surgical Approach to Induce Endolymphatic Hydrops in the Guinea Pig
Published on: June 4, 2020
Hearing preservation in Guinea pigs with long-standing endolymphatic hydrops
Suhael R Momin1, Sami J Melki, Joy O Obokhare
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
Summary
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and riluzole combination therapy shows long-term hearing protection in endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) models. Both treatments significantly protected against neuronal degeneration, suggesting a potential additive benefit for hearing preservation.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) is associated with excitotoxic and inflammatory pathways contributing to hearing loss (HL).
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an anti-inflammatory solvent, has previously shown potential in slowing HL progression in ELH mouse models.
- Riluzole, a glutamate release inhibitor, may offer synergistic benefits when combined with DMSO for treating ELH-associated HL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the long-term effects of DMSO and riluzole, alone and in combination, on hearing loss and neuronal survival in a guinea pig model of ELH.
- To investigate the potential additive or synergistic effects of combining DMSO and riluzole for neuroprotection and hearing preservation in ELH.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs with surgically induced ELH were divided into three groups: riluzole+DMSO, DMSO alone, and untreated controls.
- Animals received daily injections of DMSO and/or riluzole for 24 weeks.
- Auditory-evoked brainstem response (ABR) was evaluated every 4 weeks, and cochlear spiral ganglion density was quantified post-mortem.
Main Results:
- All groups developed unilateral hearing loss (HL).
- Significantly lower HL was observed in the riluzole+DMSO group compared to controls (p=0.049).
- Both treatment groups (riluzole+DMSO and DMSO alone) demonstrated statistically significant neuronal protection compared to untreated controls.
Conclusions:
- Combined DMSO and riluzole treatment demonstrated a significant hearing-protective effect at 24 weeks in the ELH model.
- Riluzole may provide an additive benefit to DMSO for long-term hearing protection in ELH.
- Both treatment regimens offer significant neuronal protection, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for preserving hearing in ELH-associated HL.
