The effect of topical Castellani solution on outer hair cell function of rats.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate if Castellani solution, which is used for the treatment of mycotic infections of the ear, has any ototoxic potential. There are some studies about the toxic effect of some of the ingredients of the Castellani solution, but the ototoxic effect is not known. The current study was designed to investigate the ototoxicity experimentally.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective controlled animal study.

METHODS

Experiments were performed on 40 male Wistar albino rats. The animals were divided into four groups, each consisting of 10 rats. Under general anesthesia, the right tympanic membranes of the all of the rats were perforated and baseline distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements were performed from the right ears before the use of solutions. The solutions were applied through the ear canal for 2 weeks using 0.1 mL twice a day. The rats in group I (study group) received Castellani solution. The rats in group II and group III received gentamicin (40 mg/mL) and saline solution respectively. The rats in group IV were followed without use of any medication. After 2 weeks DPOAE recordings were repeated.

RESULTS

Baseline DPOAE results were normal in the right ears of all animals tested. Animals treated with either Castellani solution or saline and the rats in the control group showed no significant changes in the DPOAE amplitudes. The gentamicin group showed a significant decrease in the DPOAE values.

CONCLUSIONS

In the rat, Castellani solution, which is topically applied to the middle ear cavity, does not affect DPOAE amplitudes.