Changes in the avian cochlea after single high-dose gentamicin

Purpose: Define the time course of functional and anatomical damage and subsequent recovery (by regeneration) of hair cells in the chicken inner ear after a single high-dose of gentamicin. Materials and Methods: Broiler chicks were given a single intraperitoneal dose (200 mg/kg) of gentamicin (n = 39) or saline (n = 39). Functional status was evaluated with auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds before injection and before sacrifice at 2, 5, 9, 16, 21, 28, and 70 days postinjection. The cochleae were then examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the extent of damage along the cochlea and absolute hair cell numbers in the basal 15% of the cochlea (high-frequency region). Results: Considerable variability between animals was seen for both ABR and SEM changes. Damage was maximal at 5 days postinjection with an average ABR threshold shift of 12 dB (range -10 to 50 dB) and basal cochlear damage of 28% (range 12%-57%). Hair cell counts were significantly decreased in the basal 15% of the cochlea at 5 days. Hair cell regeneration resulted in rapid anatomical and functional recovery, but evidence of hair cell disorganization persisted at 70 days despite improved thresholds. Conclusion: A single high dose of gentamicin produces a significant but variable anatomical and functional insult in the chick cochlea. Hair cell regeneration results in rapid but incomplete recovery. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.