ISSN:
1434-4726
Keywords:
Chloroform
;
Labyrinthectomy
;
Cochlear damage
;
Electrocochleography
;
Auditory brainstem response
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Local placement of chloroform in either the external or the middle ear has been previously reported to induce a chemical labyrinthectomy. In order to examine the value of this effect as a research tool, we injected chloroform into the middle ears of guinea pigs and rats. Cochlear damage was assessed by electrocochleography (ECochG) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiometry. Both species developed complete deafness within a few hours after instillation of the chloroform. The deafness was permanent in the guinea pigs, whereas there was a partial recovery of auditory function in the rats. The survival rate of the auditory nerve fibers was estimated by measuring the ABR evoked by electrical stimulation via the scala tympani (EABR). A normal EABR recruitment pattern suggested that the main chloroform effect was located peripheral to the afferent axons. In conclusion, chloroform must be considered a severely ototoxic agent when applied locally.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00455310
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