Protective effects of glucocorticoids on ischemia-reperfusion injury of outer hair cells

Objective: This animal study aimed to investigate effects of glucocorticoids on the functional recovery of outer hair cells (OHCs) after transient ischemia. Methods: Distortion-product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) was examined before, during, and after transient cochlear ischemia of 30 minutes using albino guinea pigs. Results: DPOAE decreased to noise level during ischemia. On recirculation, DPOAE initially recovered with time until 20 minutes after the onset of reperfusion, but thereafter; the DPOAE level gradually decreased toward the noise level in the control animals. Prednisolone and methylprednisolone significantly improved the DPOAE level 60 minutes after the onset of reperfusion. Conclusions: The present findings suggest that glucocorticoids possess protective effects against ischemia-reperfusion injury of OHCs.