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Cochlear Implant Surgery and Electrically-evoked Auditory Brainstem Response Recordings in C57BL/6 Mice
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Cellular immunologic responses to cochlear implantation in the human
Joseph B Nadol1, Jennifer T O'Malley2, Barbara J Burgess2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, USA; Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Hearing Research
|October 7, 2014
Summary
Cochlear implants trigger a strong immune response involving lymphocytes and macrophages. Platinum particles from the implant are identified as a likely cause, potentially leading to device migration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Cochlear implant arrays utilize biocompatible materials, but these are not always bio-inert.
- Histologic studies show foreign body reactions in temporal bones post-cochlear implantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the cellular immune response to cochlear implants.
- To identify foreign materials associated with the electrode array.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining for B-cell lymphocytes (CD20), T-cell lymphocytes (CD3), and macrophages (CD68).
- Energy dispersive spectroscopy by scanning electron microscopy (EDS-SEM) to analyze particulate foreign material.
Main Results:
- Significant infiltrations of B-cells, T-cells, and macrophages were observed.
- The electrode array track was often lined by foreign body giant cells.
- EDS-SEM identified platinum as the particulate material in the surrounding fibrous sheath.
Conclusions:
- Cochlear implants elicit a vigorous cellular immune response including lymphocytes, macrophages, and foreign body giant cells.
- Platinum is implicated as an antigen triggering this response.
- The foreign body reaction may contribute to implant migration or extrusion.
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