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Characterization of the Sheep Round Window Membrane.

S Han1,2, H Suzuki-Kerr1,2, M Suwantika1,2

  • 1Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology : JARO
|December 1, 2020
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The sheep round window membrane (RWM) shares anatomical similarities with the human RWM, suggesting its potential as a superior model for inner ear drug delivery research compared to rodents.

Keywords:
anatomycochlearound window membranesheeptemporal bone

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Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Anatomy
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intratympanic injection is a key method for delivering therapeutics to the inner ear.
  • Drug diffusion across the round window membrane (RWM) is crucial for this delivery.
  • Rodent RWM structure differs significantly from humans, limiting its translational value.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the anatomical structure of the sheep round window membrane (RWM).
  • To evaluate the suitability of sheep as a large animal model for inner ear drug delivery studies.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination of the sheep RWM structure.
  • Measurement of RWM thickness and niche dimensions.
  • Comparison of sheep RWM anatomy with existing human and rodent data.

Main Results:

  • The sheep RWM is anchored in a niche with specific dimensions and has a curved shape.
  • RWM thickness varies, being thinnest centrally (55-71 μm) and thicker at the edges (<171 μm).
  • A layered structure (epithelial-connective tissue-epithelial) and a human-like meshwork structure were observed.

Conclusions:

  • The sheep RWM exhibits significant anatomical similarities to the human RWM.
  • Sheep represent a promising large animal model for predicting RWM permeability and drug delivery efficacy in humans.
  • This model may offer greater translational relevance than rodent models for inner ear therapeutic development.