Long-term ototoxic effects of neomycin applied topically in the middle ear: a morphological study in the guinea pig

Neomycin was instilled daily, uni- or bilaterally, into the middle ear of guinea pigs for three months. The cochleae were examined, by light and electron microscopy, six months after the end of treatment. The organs of Corti of the treated ears were completely destroyed, and in the most advanced lesions, were substituted by a single layer of very thin flat cells. In the spiral ganglion only some glial cells and a few neurons could be observed. All surviving neurons were myelinated, and their ultrastructure was greatly altered, with disorganization of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. The basilar membrane almost disappeared, losing it amorphous and filamentous components. The spiral limbus and the stria vascularis were atrophic and were also covered, in the final stages, by flat elongated cells. In view of its morphological characteristics, this epithelium may arise from the displacement of the interdental cells and perhaps from the cochlear surface of Reissner's membrane.