Effect of Saponin, Allopurinol and Nimodipine on Noise Induced Treshold Changes of ABRs in Guinea Pigs / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several studies have demonstrated that noise exposure may result in cochlear damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of red Korean ginseng saponin (Krg-saponin), allopurinol and nimodipine on the auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold changes after noise exposure. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-two healthy guinea pigs (44 ears) were divided into 4 groups; control, Krg-saponin (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), allopurinol (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) and nimodipine (2 mg/kg, subcutaneous) treated groups. Guinea pigs were exposed to 115 dB, 1500 Hz narrow band noise for 12 hours. ABR threshold shifts were observed for 24 hours after the noise exposure. RESULTS: Threshold shift after noise exposure was significantly reduced in Krg-saponin, allopurinol and nimodipine-treated groups, and allopurinol showed significantly greater effect on reducing threshold shift than nimodipine. Krg-saponin was less effective than allopurinol but more effective than nimodipine on reducing the threshold shift after noise exposure. CONCLUSION: The result suggests that the drug could block the formation of free oxygen radicals (FORs) and that scavenge FORs can be most effectively used to attenuate the noise-induced cochlear damage.