Effect of codeine on the inner ear

ABSTRACT

The aim of this work is to study the effect of codeine dependence on the organ of Corti. 30 male albino rats weighing between 200-250 g were used in this study. The animals were divided into 4 groups group 1 served as control, group 2, 3, 4 were fed food admixture codeine according to the method described by Suzuki et al. [1984]. On the 8th day, groups 1 and 2 were sacrificed. While the other 2 groups were subjected to abstinence syndrome. The sacrificed animals were perfused in the heart with 10% neutral buffered formalin. The temporal bones containing the inner ear were dissected. The changes in the histological appearance ranged from disorganization of the neuro-epithelial cells to complete destruction and disappearance of both sensorty and supporting cells. The results of this animal experiment does not necessarily imply that this drug is ototoxic in man. However, it would be wise to try to prevent chronic administration of this drug to avoid its possible adverse effects including ototoxicity