Related Experiment Videos
Histopathological cochlear changes induced by antimonial antibilharzial drugs
Abstract:
Sixteen normal guinea-pigs were injected by two different antimonial antibilharzial drugs (Stibophen NF and Bilharcid EP). Therapeutic doses of either drug produced hydropic degeneration in the hair and supporting cells of the organ of Corti. The pillar cells and the neurones of the spiral ganglion were not affected. Doubling the dosage produced atrophy of the organ of corti and its replacement by granular epithelioid cells. These antibilharzials carry a definite risk to the cochlear auditory elements aggravated by exceeding the therapeutic dosage.
Insights
Antimonial antibilharzial drugs can damage the cochlear auditory system. Therapeutic doses caused hair cell degeneration, while higher doses led to organ of Corti atrophy, posing risks to hearing.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Pharmacology
- Auditory Neuroscience
Background:
- Antimonial drugs are used to treat schistosomiasis.
- Potential side effects of these drugs on auditory structures are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of two antimonial antibilharzial drugs on the guinea pig cochlea.
- To determine the dose-dependent toxicity of these agents on the organ of Corti.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen guinea pigs were administered Stibophen NF and Bilharcid EP at therapeutic and double therapeutic doses.
- Histopathological examination of the cochlea was performed to assess cellular damage.
Main Results:
- Therapeutic doses induced hydropic degeneration in hair and supporting cells of the organ of Corti.
- Higher doses resulted in atrophy of the organ of Corti, with replacement by epithelioid cells.
- Pillar cells and spiral ganglion neurons remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Antimonial antibilharzial drugs pose a risk to cochlear auditory elements.
- Exceeding therapeutic dosages significantly exacerbates ototoxicity, leading to severe cochlear damage.