Effect of Ligustrazine Injection on Gentamicin Ototoxicity Induced Heat Shock Protein 70 Expression in Cochlear Spiral Ganglion Cells of Guinea Pigs

To explore the protective role of ligustrazine (tetramethylpyrazine, TMP) on gentamicin oto-toxicity. Methods: Using immunohistochemistry staining, in situ hybridization histochemistry and image quantitative analysis system, combined with auditory brainstem response (ABR) to observe the effects of TMP on threshold of ABR and the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and HSP70mRNA expression in cochlear spiral ganglion of gentamicin intoxicated guinea pigs. Results; The ABR threshold, and HSP70 and HSP70mRNA expression in cochlear spiral ganglion cells of gentamicin intoxicated guinea pig significantly increased, which could be reduced significantly after treatment of TMP, P0.01. Conclusion; TMP could reduce the heightened HSP70 and HSP70mRNA expression in cochlear spiral ganglion cells induced by gentamicin to alleviate its oto-toxicity so as to improve hearing function.