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The effect of methylprednisolone on acoustic trauma
K Takahashi1, J Kusakari, S Kimura
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
Abstract:
The effect of methylprednisolone (mPSL) upon acoustic trauma was studied using albino guinea pigs which were exposed to 2 kHz pure tone of 110, 115 or 120 dB SPL for 10 min. After the exposure to intense sound, mPSL of 6, 12 or 40 mg/kg was intraperitoneally given daily for 7 days and the threshold of the compound action potential (CAP) was examined on the 8th day. Compared with CAP of the control animals given physiological saline solution, no significant difference was observed in the CAP threshold shift between the mPSL group and the controls following exposures to the sound of 115 and 120 dB SPL, respectively. However, when the animals were exposed to the sound of 110 dB SPL, the CAP threshold shift was significantly smaller in the mPSL animals than in the controls. The present results indicate that mPSL possesses a therapeutic effect in cases of mild acoustic overstimulation.
Insights
Methylprednisolone (mPSL) showed therapeutic effects against mild acoustic trauma in guinea pigs. It significantly reduced hearing threshold shifts after exposure to 110 dB SPL, but not higher intensities.
Area of Science:
- Ototoxicology
- Pharmacology
- Auditory Neuroscience
Background:
- Acoustic trauma, or noise-induced hearing loss, is a significant health concern.
- The therapeutic potential of corticosteroids like methylprednisolone (mPSL) for hearing damage requires further investigation.
- Understanding the dose-dependent effects of mPSL on auditory function post-acoustic overstimulation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of methylprednisolone (mPSL) in mitigating hearing loss caused by acoustic trauma.
- To determine if mPSL administration influences the compound action potential (CAP) threshold shift following noise exposure.
- To assess the therapeutic effect of mPSL at different dosage levels under varying acoustic trauma intensities.
Main Methods:
- Albino guinea pigs were exposed to 2 kHz pure tones at 110, 115, or 120 dB SPL for 10 minutes.
- Methylprednisolone (mPSL) was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 6, 12, or 40 mg/kg daily for 7 days post-exposure.
- Compound action potential (CAP) thresholds were measured on the 8th day to assess auditory nerve function.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in CAP threshold shift was observed between mPSL-treated and control groups at 115 and 120 dB SPL.
- A significantly smaller CAP threshold shift was noted in the mPSL group compared to controls following exposure to 110 dB SPL.
- These findings suggest a protective effect of mPSL specifically against milder levels of acoustic overstimulation.
Conclusions:
- Methylprednisolone (mPSL) demonstrates a therapeutic effect in mitigating hearing damage from mild acoustic trauma.
- The protective efficacy of mPSL appears to be intensity-dependent, being more pronounced at lower sound pressure levels.
- Further research into corticosteroid therapy for noise-induced hearing loss is warranted, particularly for early-stage or mild cases.