CILIARY NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR ANTAGONIZES GENTAMICIN-INDUCED ALTERATIONS OF ELECTRIC POTENTIALS IN AUDITORY PATHWAY IN GUINEA-PIGS

AIM: To study the effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on the expressions of gentamicin ototoxicity in guinea pigs. METHODS: The au ditory function of pigmented guinea pigs was examined using auditory b rainstem response (ABR), cochlea microphonic potential (CM), and actio n potential of auditory nerve I AP). RESULTS: In animals injected gent amicin (SO mg . kg(-1). d(-1), im), ABR threshold began to elevate on d 20, and prolongations of ABR wave I, IV and the I-IV interpeak laten cies were observed. The animals treated with gentamicin for 30 d displ ayed lower amplitudes of CM and AP (N1) than the controls. CNTF (0.44 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1), sc) inhibited the gentamicin-induced elevation of ABR thresholds, the prolongation of ABR wave I, IV and the I-IV inter peak latencies, and the decreases in amplitudes of CM and AP (N1). CON CLUSION: CNTF attenuated the gentamicin-elicited auditory i impairment in guinea pigs.