[Establishment of the animal model of triple semicircular canal occlusion].

OBJECTIVE

To establish the animal model of triple semicircular canal occlusion(TCO) in guinea pigs.

METHODS

TCO was performed on 20 guinea pigs. Electronystagmography, auditory brainstem responses (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions(DPOAE) were recorded pre- and post-operatively. The non-operated ear was used as control.

RESULTS

There was spontaneous nystagmus towards non-operated side on the 1st postoperative day and no nystagmus to stimuli of sinusoidal angular acceleration in operated side. On the 30th postoperative day, left and right nystagmus returned symmetrical. Pre-operation, ice-water stimulation induced normal symmetric nystagmus in both sides. On the 30th postoperative day, ice-water stimulation only induced normal nystagmus in non-operated ear and failed in operated one. ABR thresholds increased approximately 10 dB post-operation. There were no significant changes of the amplitudes of DPOAE before and after surgery. Histologic examination revealed complete occlusion in the three semicircular canals with newly formed bone and connective tissue.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the animal model of TCO was successfully established. These findings suggests that TCO might be a safe and simple procedure for the treatment of intractable peripheral vertigo.