Type II collagen-induced inner ear disease: critical evaluation of the guinea pig model

Guinea pigs systematically challenged with type II collagen were examined electrophysiologically, histologically, and immunologically for inner ear lesions. Some functional, morphologic, and immunologic changes could be demonstrated. Evidence of possible immunoglobulin deposition in the basilar membrane, the perivascular region, as well as in other inner ear tissue were present. Immunologic and histopathologic simulations to inner ear diseases in humans and to the inner ear antigen-induced animal model were found. The results are discussed in light of the original model introduced by Yoo et al and the reexamination findings reported by Harris et al. The discrepancies in the results are argued, and the impact of this experimental model on human autoimmune inner ear disease is analysed.