General Research
Model: human
Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates ouabain-induced auditory neuropathy in gerbils
Simplified Version Available
Hydrogen Gas Inhalation: A Potential Breakthrough for Hearing Loss
A study found that inhaling hydrogen gas may help alleviate hearing loss in gerbils. The research suggests that hydrogen gas has antioxidant properties that protect the nerves responsible for hearing. This breakthrough could have significant implications for humans, potentially leading to new treatments for auditory neuropathy and other health conditions.
Read Simplified ArticleAbstract
Publish Year 2012 Country China Rank Positive Journal Acta Pharmacologica Sinica Primary Topic Ear Secondary TopicHearing Loss Model Gerbil Tertiary TopicAuditory Neuropathy Vehicle Gas pH N/A Application Inhalation Comparison Complement
Methods
Results: Treatment with H(2) (2% and 4%) markedly attenuated the click and tone burst-evoked ABR threshold shift at 4, 8, and 16 kHz in ouabain-exposed animals. Neither local ouabain application, nor H(2) treatment changed the amplitude of DPOAE at 4, 8, and 16 kHz. Morphological study showed that treatment with H(2) (2%) significantly alleviated SGN damage and attenuated the loss of SGN density for each turn of cochlea in ouabain-exposed animals. Furthermore, ouabain caused significantly higher numbers of apoptotic SGNs in the cochlea, which was significantly attenuated by the H(2) treatment. However, ouabain did not change the morphology of cochlear hair cells.
Results
Conclusion: The results demonstrate that H(2) treatment is beneficial to ouabain-induced AN via reducing apoptosis. Thus, H(2) might be a potential agent for treating hearing impairment in AN patients.