HEARING-LOSS AND TRACE-ELEMENTS FE2+ AND ZN2+ IN THE PERILYMPH

Fe2+ and Zn2+ levels in perilymph of guinea pigs injected with gentami cin (GM) were examined and compared with the corresponding concentrati ons in CSF, serum and hairs. We observed a preventive and therapeutic action of sea buckthorn oil and injectio gastrodini to hearing loss. T he results showed that: (1) the Fe2+ content in GM-injected guinea pig s was increased in perilymph and hairs; it was decreased after prevent ion and treatment, but there was no obvious change in CSF and serum; ( 2) the Zn2+ content in perilymph and CSF was increased in GM-injected guinea pigs. It rose further after prevention, but in serum and hairs it decreased. The results indicate that the ototoxic reaction to GM is related to the rise of the Fe2+ content in perilymph. The elevation o f Zn2+ is a compensatory reaction. The changes in the chemical composi tion of perilymph are more important than those in CSF, serum and hair s for pathological changes of the cochlea. Sea buckthorn oil can preve nt GM ototoxicity.