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Effects of Glucocorticoids on the Inner Ear
Taizo Takeda1, Setsuko Takeda1, Akinobu Kakigi2
1Kochi Medical School, Kochi, Japan.
Frontiers in Surgery
|January 28, 2021
Summary
Systemic steroid administration in guinea pigs caused significant Reissner's membrane extension and scala media volume increase, indicating potential risks for Meniere's disease patients with endolymphatic hydrops.
Area of Science:
- Oto-rhino-laryngology
- Endocrinology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Clinical use of steroids for endolymphatic hydrops lacks clear theoretical basis.
- Debate exists regarding steroid treatment effectiveness for inner ear conditions.
- Limited histological data available on steroid effects on the cochlea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological effects of systemic glucocorticoid administration on the guinea pig cochlea.
- To determine if steroids influence inner ear structures relevant to endolymphatic hydrops.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen guinea pigs received either saline (control), hydrocortisone, or dexamethasone intraperitoneally for 3 days.
- Reissner's membrane extension and scala media volume were quantitatively measured using a video-digitizer.
- Histological changes in the cochlea were assessed 6 hours post-treatment.
Main Results:
- No significant cochlear changes were observed in the control group.
- Steroid administration led to significant Reissner's membrane extension.
- A significant increase in scala media volume, indicative of endolymphatic hydrops, was observed in steroid-treated groups.
Conclusions:
- Systemic glucocorticoids induce histological changes in the guinea pig cochlea, including Reissner's membrane extension and scala media dilation.
- These findings suggest caution when prescribing steroids for Meniere's disease, which is characterized by endolymphatic hydrops.
- The precise mechanism underlying these steroid-induced histological alterations requires further investigation.
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