The Mouse Round-window Approach for Ototoxic Agent Delivery: A Rapid and Reliable Technique for Inducing Cochlear Cell DegenerationShawn M. Stevens 1, LaShardai N. Brown 2, Paula C. Ezell 3, Hainan Lang 2
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 2Department of Pathology and Laboratory Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 3Intuitive Surgical, Inc
Various methods exist for introducing ototoxic agents to the cochleae of animal models. Presented is a surgical protocol for delivery of ototoxic agents to the round window niche. The procedure is reliable, creates targeted intra-cochlear lesions, and avoids mechanical damage to the microarchitecture. Examination of cochlear self-repair/regeneration is possible.