Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Guinea Pig Round Window Membrane Explantation for Ex Vivo Studies
Published on: February 23, 2024
Round window membrane permeability to golimumab in guinea pigs: a pilot study
Soha N Ghossaini1, Jenny P Liu, Brett Phillips
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S.A; Department of Surgery, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S.A; Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Local delivery of golimumab, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α blocker, successfully crossed the round window membrane into the inner ear fluid in guinea pigs. This finding supports potential targeted treatment for autoimmune inner ear disorders.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Autoimmune inner ear disease is a treatable cause of sensorineural hearing loss.
- Current systemic treatments like steroids and methotrexate have limitations due to side effects.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α blockers are a potential new treatment modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the permeability of the round window membrane to golimumab, a TNF-α blocker.
- To evaluate the feasibility of local inner ear delivery of golimumab for autoimmune inner ear disorders.
- To explore a targeted immune modulation strategy minimizing systemic side effects.
Main Methods:
- A single-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted in guinea pigs.
- Golimumab was administered to the middle ear, with inner ear fluid sampled after 30 minutes.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect golimumab concentrations.
Main Results:
- Golimumab was detected in significantly higher concentrations in the inner ear fluid of treated ears compared to control ears (P < .001).
- This indicates successful passage of golimumab across the round window membrane.
Conclusions:
- Golimumab effectively crosses the round window membrane into the inner ear fluid within 30 minutes.
- Further research is required to determine optimal dosing and pharmacokinetic profiles for clinical application.
- Local delivery offers a promising route for targeted therapy in autoimmune inner ear diseases.
