Salicylate alters 2-DG uptake in the auditory system: a model for tinnitus?

Because salicylate is known to produce tinnitus in humans and animals, the effect of salicylate on the auditory system of gerbils was investigated using [14C]2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). Salicylate treatment reduced activity in the inferior colliculus (IC), particularly in the high frequency part, whereas activation along some isofrequency contours was observed in auditory cortex. In contrast, in saline-treated controls the IC but not the auditory cortex was active. These results suggest that the sensation of subjective tinnitus may be generated within auditory brain structures. The 2-DG method may be used to measure tinnitus objectively in animals and also to evaluate tinnitus treatments.