Short-term exposure to high ‑intensity sound induces hearing loss and apoptosis in guinea pigs.

Short-term exposure to high‑intensity sound induces hearing loss and apoptosis in guinea pigs. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars). 2019;79(2):155-168 Authors: Liu Y, Wang H, Liu Z, Gu Y, Xin L, Liu J, Fan H Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of short-term high-intensity sound exposure on guinea pigs to mimic the effects of non-lethal anti-riot weapons. A total of 92 male adult guinea pigs were exposed to high-intensity sound at 0 dB, 110 dB and 130 dB for 5 min. Basic clinical observation, repellent behaviour detection, peripheral blood routine examination, serum cortisol detection and hearing ability assessment were performed to analyse the functional changes after high intensity sound exposure. Meanwhile, routine haematoxylin and eosin staining, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the structure of the cochlear tissue. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the tissue changes, the levels of apoptosis and caspase 3, 8 and 9 were detected using TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry. After short-term exposure to high-intensity sound, the guinea pigs exhibited fear and agitation, increased repulsive behaviour, high serum cortisol and an increase in auditory threshold. The inner hair cells and outer hair cells exhibited degeneration. In addition, apoptosis was observed in the cochlear tissue. After short‑term exposure to high-intensity s...
Source: Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) Source Type: research