Observation on acupuncture at "Neitinggong" for antagonisting ototoxicity caused by gentamicin / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of acupuncture at "Neitinggong" drug-induced deafness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Guinea pig deafness model was prepared by injection of gentamicin (GM). Acupuncture was respectively given at the points "Neitinggong" "Tinggong" (SI 19) and non-acupoints on the auricle in the experimental animals in different groups and the effects of different points on the auditory brainstem response and cochlear hair cells were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a significant difference between GM group and Neitinggong group, and between GM group and Tinggong group. There was no significant difference between GM group and the auricle group, and between Neitinggong group and Tinggong group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at "Neitinggong" can strength the function of the internal ear, and relieve the injury of cochlear hair cells caused by gentamicin, which is an effective acupoint for treatment of drug-induced deafness.</p>