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Experimental animal models of drug-induced sensorineural hearing loss: a narrative review
Xuexin Lin1, Jia Luo1, Jingqian Tan2
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Objective:
This narrative review describes experimental animal models of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) caused by ototoxic agents.
Background:
SNHL primarily results from damage to the sensory organ within the inner ear or the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII). The main etiology of SNHL includes genetic diseases, presbycusis, ototoxic agents, infection, and noise exposure. Animal models with functional and anatomic damage to the sensory organ within the inner ear or the vestibulocochlear nerve mimicking the damage seen in humans are employed to explore the mechanism and potential treatment of SNHL. These animal models of SNHL are commonly established using ototoxic agents.
Methods:
A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed for research articles on hearing loss and ototoxic agents in animal models of hearing loss.
Conclusions:
Common ototoxic medications such as aminoglycoside antibiotics (AABs) and platinum antitumor drugs are extensively used to induce SNHL in experimental animals. The effect of ototoxic agents in vivo is influenced by the chemical mechanisms of the ototoxic agents, the species of animal, routes of administration of the ototoxic agents, and the dosage of ototoxic agents. Animal models of drug-induced SNHL contribute to understanding the hearing mechanism and reveal the function of different parts of the auditory system in humans.
Insights
This review covers animal models of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) induced by ototoxic agents, highlighting their use in understanding hearing mechanisms and auditory system function.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Experimental Otology
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) stems from damage to the inner ear's sensory organ or the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII).
- Key causes of SNHL include genetics, aging (presbycusis), ototoxic agents, infections, and noise exposure.
- Animal models are crucial for studying SNHL mechanisms and treatments, often utilizing ototoxic agents to induce damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review experimental animal models of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) induced by ototoxic agents.
- To explore the utility of these models in advancing the understanding of hearing mechanisms and auditory system function.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.
- The search focused on research articles detailing hearing loss and ototoxic agents in animal models.
Main Results:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics (AABs) and platinum antitumor drugs are frequently used ototoxic agents to establish SNHL in animal models.
- The efficacy of ototoxic agents in vivo is modulated by their chemical properties, animal species, administration route, and dosage.
Conclusions:
- Animal models of drug-induced SNHL are valuable tools for investigating the intricacies of hearing.
- These models aid in elucidating the functional roles of various auditory system components in humans.
