[Streptomycin-induced damage of the spiral ganglion]

The neuronal density in the spiral ganglion was investigated in normal and in streptomycin-intoxicated guinea pigs. Streptomycin was administered in a dose of 250 mg/kg for 21 days. 6 weeks after the streptomycin exposure a histological examination revealed a decrease in ganglion cell density in the spiral ganglion, with maximum loss in the apical portion of the ganglion. As mechanisms of the ototoxic effect, a secondary degeneration of spiral ganglion cells after hair cell loss or a primary neurotoxic degeneration are discussed.