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.