[The protective effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor on inner ear damage induced by intensive impulse noise].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of using ciliary neurotrophic factor(CNTF) to treat intensive impulse noise-induced inner ear damage.

METHODS

The guinea pigs were given either CNTF (CNTF group) or 0.9% sodium chloride (NS group) for 3 weeks after impulse noise exposure. The animals receiving neither medicine nor noise served as a control group. ABR threshold shifts, the cochlear AchE staining as well as the hair cell and spiral ganglion cell counting were carried out in three groups of animals.

RESULTS

The numbers of damaged hair cells and spiral ganglion cells in the CNTF group was less than that in the NS group. AchE activity alteration was also less severe in the CNTF group. Similar to the morphological results, changes in the auditory function, represented by the ABR threshold shifts, was less in the CNTF group.

CONCLUSION

CNTF can protect cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion cells against intensive impulse noise exposure by decreasing degeneration and necrosis of the hair cells in some extent and expedite hearing recovery.