Hyperosmotic sisomicin infusion: a mouse model for hearing loss

Area of Science:

• Oto-neuroscience
• Auditory system research
• Regenerative medicine

Background:

• Cochlear sensory hair cells (inner and outer) are crucial for hearing.
• Existing animal models for hair cell damage are inconsistent.
• A reliable model is needed for otoregenerative research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a consistent and reproducible animal model of cochlear hair cell loss.
• To investigate the effects of combined sisomicin and hyperosmotic stress on hair cells.
• To provide a tool for preclinical otoregenerative therapy studies.

Main Methods:

• Surgical delivery of a hyperosmotic sisomicin solution into the posterior semicircular canal of adult mice.
• Induction of outer hair cell apoptosis within 14 hours.
• Assessment of inner and outer hair cell survival and structural integrity over seven days.

Main Results:

• The novel method induced rapid, synchronous outer hair cell death and irreversible hearing loss.
• Combined sisomicin and hyperosmotic stress demonstrated consistent and synergistic ototoxic damage.
• Inner hair cells showed deterioration and loss by day seven, with complete hair cell loss.

Conclusions:

• A robust and reproducible mouse model for cochlear hair cell loss was established.
• This model facilitates studies on the mechanisms of hair cell degeneration.
• The model is valuable for advancing preclinical otoregenerative research and therapeutic strategies.