Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2006 Dec;49(12):1159-1164.

Minocycline Protects Vestibular Hair Cells from Neomycin-Induced Ototoxicity by Inhibiting Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Caspase-3 Activity

• Kim YS
• Ahn JC
• Baek IY
• Rhee CK
• Jung JY

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Aminoglycosides, a commonly used antibiotic agent, destroys the sensory hair cells in the cochlear and vestibular system leading to irreversible hearing loss and balance problem. Minocycline, a second-generation tetracycline antibiotic, has been known to possess anti-apoptotic properties in addition to its antimicrobial action. We hypothesized that minocycline would attenuate aminoglycosides induced vestibulotoxicity in rat utricles.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
Utricular maculae prepared from postnatal day 3-4 rats were treated with neomycin alone or in combination with minocycline. For hair cell count, utricles were stained with phalloidin-FITC. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed using the fluorescent probe, hydrofluorescent diacetate acetyl ester (H2DCFDA). Caspase-3 activity was also examined using the fluorescent caspase-3 substrate.
RESULTS
Neomycin induced dose-dependent loss of utricular hair cells. Minocycline reduced ROS production and caspase-3 activation in neomycin treated utricular hair cells.
CONCLUSION
Minocycline has protective effect in neomycin induced ototoxicity in rat utricle by inhibiting ROS production and caspase-3 activity.

Keyword

Minocycline; Caspase-3; Reactive oxygen species; Utricle

MeSH Terms

Aminoglycosides
Animals
Caspase 3*
Cell Count
Hair
Hair Cells, Vestibular*
Hearing Loss
Minocycline*
Neomycin
Rats
Reactive Oxygen Species*
Saccule and Utricle
Tetracycline
Aminoglycosides
Caspase 3
Minocycline
Neomycin
Reactive Oxygen Species
Tetracycline