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Published on: January 22, 2010
OCT imaging of endolymphatic hydrops in mice: association with hearing loss
Caihong Ye1, Yanru Bai1,2, Shu Zheng2
1Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Background:
The etiology of Ménière's disease (MD) is still not completely clear, but it is believed to be associated with endolymphatic hydrops (EH), which is characterized by auditory functional disorders. Vasopressin injection in C57BL/6J mice can induce EH and serve as a model for MD. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has shown its advantages as a non-invasive imaging method for observing EH.AimInvestigating the relationship between hearing loss and EH to assist clinical hearing assessments and indicate the severity of hydrops.
Methods:
C57BL/6J mice received 50 μg/100g/day vasopressin injections to induce EH. Auditory function was assessed using auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). OCT was used to visualize the cochlea.
Result:
OCT observed accumulation of fluid within the scala media in the cochlear apex. ABR showed significant hearing loss after 4 weeks. DPOAE revealed low-frequency hearing loss at 2 weeks and widespread damage across frequencies at 4 weeks.
Conclusion:
The development of hearing loss in mouse models of MD is consistent with EH manifestations.SignificanceThis study demonstrates the possibility of indirectly evaluating the extent of EH through auditory assessment and emphasizes the significant value of OCT for imaging cochlear structures.
Insights
Ménière
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Ménière's disease (MD) etiology is unclear, but linked to endolymphatic hydrops (EH).
- Vasopressin injection in mice models MD and induces EH.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive tool for EH visualization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between hearing loss and EH.
- To aid clinical hearing assessments for MD.
- To indicate EH severity.
Main Methods:
- Induced EH in C57BL/6J mice using vasopressin.
- Assessed auditory function via Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE).
- Utilized OCT for cochlear visualization.
Main Results:
- OCT detected fluid accumulation in the cochlear apex.
- Significant hearing loss observed at 4 weeks via ABR.
- DPOAE showed low-frequency hearing loss at 2 weeks, progressing to widespread damage at 4 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss development in MD mouse models correlates with EH.
- Auditory assessments can indirectly evaluate EH extent.
- OCT is valuable for imaging cochlear structures in MD research.
