Induction of apoptotic pathway in the vestibule of cisplatin (CDDP)-treated guinea pigs.

BACKGROUND

During the process of apoptosis, double-stranded DNA is broken into single-stranded DNA by the action of caspases and caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease. We immunohistochemically examined the apoptotic changes induced by cisplatin in the vestibule of guinea pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cisplatin (10 mg/kg b.w.) was intraperitoneally injected into guinea pigs and, 3 days after the injection, the animals were sacrificed by intracardiac perfusion of fixative. The temporal bones were then removed and immunohistochemically stained for caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease or caspase 3.

RESULTS

Both caspase-activated deoxyribonuclease and caspase 3 were observed in the dark cell area, transitional area and the sensory epithelium.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that apoptosis is involved in the vestibular dysfunction of the CDDP-treated patients.