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  • Title: The peripheral processes of spiral ganglion cells after intracochlear application of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in deafened guinea pigs.
    Author: Waaijer L, Klis SF, Ramekers D, Van Deurzen MH, Hendriksen FG, Grolman W.
    Journal: Otol Neurotol; 2013 Apr; 34(3):570-8. PubMed ID: 23449444.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effects of deafening and subsequent treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the peripheral processes (PPs) of spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) in guinea pigs. BACKGROUND: BDNF may prevent degeneration of neural structures after loss of hair cells with possible relevance for cochlear implant candidates. METHODS: Guinea pigs were deafened with a combination of kanamycin and furosemide. Two weeks after deafening, intracochlear BDNF treatment was started with osmotic pumps for 4 weeks. Two weeks after cessation of BDNF treatment, the cochleae were analyzed. PPs were counted and morphologically characterized with respect to myelination, size, and shape. RESULTS: Deafening reduced the number of PPs. We found that BDNF treatment, started 2 weeks after deafening, significantly reduced this degenerative effect. The remaining processes showed an altered morphology; compared with normal, the size was reduced in deafened untreated animals and increased in BDNF-treated animals. The myelin sheath seemed thinner in BDNF-treated animals. CONCLUSION: We conclude that BDNF has potential as an agent that can improve the interface between cochlear implants and the auditory periphery.
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