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Electrophysiological Effects of Intratympanic Retinoic Acid Application Following Acoustic Trauma in Rats
Gökçe Saygı Uysal1, Selim Erbek2, Hatice Seyra Erbek3
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ministry of Health Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye.
The Journal of International Advanced Otology
|June 16, 2025
Summary
Early intratympanic retinoic acid (RA) injections show protective effects against noise-induced hearing loss. This study found significant improvements in signal-to-noise ratio after RA administration in rats, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for acoustic trauma.
Area of Science:
- Ototolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retinoic acid (RA), vitamin A's active metabolite, is vital for inner ear development and postnatal maintenance.
- Acoustic trauma and noise-induced hearing loss are significant public health concerns.
- Effective treatments for noise-induced hearing loss remain limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrophysiological effects of early intratympanic retinoic acid (RA) administration following acoustic trauma.
- To assess the protective potential of RA against noise-induced hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-one Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to acoustic trauma.
- Two doses of intratympanic RA injections were administered post-trauma.
- Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were measured to evaluate hearing function.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were observed at multiple frequencies (1-8 kHz) after RA injections (P < .001).
- SNR increased at specific frequencies (1.4, 2, 2.8, 6, 8 kHz) following each RA dose (P < .05).
Conclusions:
- Intratympanic RA injections demonstrate a protective effect against acoustic trauma.
- RA may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for noise-induced hearing loss.
- Further human studies are warranted to validate these findings.
