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Auditory function analysis in immunodeficient STAT1 knock-out mice: Considerations for viral infection models
Tomoharu Suzuki1, Junki Maruyama2, Rebecca Cook1
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, USA.
Neuroscience Letters
|October 18, 2020
Summary
STAT1 knock-out (KO) mice show intermediate hearing function, making them suitable for studying viral infection-induced hearing loss. This finding aids research into conditions like Lassa fever, despite Lassa virus containment challenges.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
Background:
- STAT1 knock-out (KO) mice are valuable models for human infectious diseases.
- These mice exhibit hearing loss phenotypes relevant to Lassa fever survivors.
- Lassa virus research is limited by biosafety level 4 requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the baseline auditory function of STAT1 KO mice.
- To evaluate STAT1 KO mice as a model for viral infection-induced hearing loss.
- To prepare for future auditory behavioral studies in these mice.
Main Methods:
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests were conducted.
- Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) tests were performed.
- STAT1 KO mice were compared to 129S6/SvEv wild type (WT) mice (males and females).
Main Results:
- Male WT mice demonstrated the best auditory performance.
- Female WT mice exhibited the poorest hearing performance.
- STAT1 KO mice (both sexes) showed intermediate auditory performance between WT males and females.
Conclusions:
- STAT1 KO mice possess suitable baseline auditory function for hearing loss studies.
- Both male and female STAT1 KO mice can be utilized to investigate viral-induced hearing impairment.
- This research supports the use of STAT1 KO mice in modeling hearing deficits caused by viral infections.
