Intra-uterine ototoxicity of gentamycin in guinea pigs

ABSTRACT

Twenty five female pregnant guinea pigs were used to study the effect of administration of gentamycin to the pregnant animal on the hearing apparatus of the developing embryo. Various concentrations of the drug were administered daily over a variable duration in both early and late stages of gestation. The inner ear, spiral ganglion, cochlear nerve and cochlear nuclei of the newly born animals were histologically examined. The extent of damage was largely dependant on the overall total dose of gentamycin received rather than on the daily dose. The sensory elements of the inner ear were more susceptible than the neural and nuclear elements. The various pathological changes are described and important clinical implications are stated