Influence of topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor upon inner ear.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) has recently been shown to have a positive effect on the treatment of postoperative mastoid cavity problem, but its ototoxicity has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of b-FGF on the inner ear of guinea pigs. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: In groups A (n = 10) and B (n =11), b-FGF was applied into the left external auditory canal and the middle ear, respectively. The right ear served as a control. At 1 week after b-FGF administration, the endocochlear DC potential (EP) was measured, and morphology of the cochleae was examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: In group A, the EP values of experimental ears and controls were 90.0 +/- 8.4 (mV, mean +/- SD) and 89.4 +/- 4.3 (P > 0.05). In group B, the values were 86.5 +/- 11.4 and 87.5 +/- 6.1, respectively, (P > 0.05). Morphological findings showed no damage on the cochlear. CONCLUSION: Application of b-FGF to the external and middle ears does not seem to have an apparent risk of ototoxicity.