Intra-uterine ototoxicity of kanamycin: an experimental histopathological study

ABSTRACT

Kanamycin, in various concentrations was administered to25 adult female pregnant guinea pigs, over a variable duration in both early and late stages of gestation. The inner ear spiral ganglion, cochlear nerve and cochlear nuclei of the offspring born to the animals under test were histologically examined. The sensory cells of the inner ear were the elements to be primarily damaged, while the retrocochlear structures were invariably saved. The damage was largely dependent on the total dose of kanamycin, and was more pronounced when given in late pregnancy than in its early stages. The various pathological changes are described and important clinical implications are stated