Lack of chondrotoxicity of ofloxacin otic solution on the auditory ossicle cartilages of juvenile guinea pigs.

The effect of 0.3% otic solution of ofloxacin on the cartilages constituting the epiphyses of the auditory ossicles and the wall of the auditory tube was histologically examined after 30-day repeated intratympanic administration to juvenile male guinea pigs aged 4 weeks. Ofloxacin showed no chondrotoxicity for the cartilages and, in some but not all animals, reduced haemorrhage and neutrophil infiltration in the tympanic cavity, compared with that of the control. Further, the articular cartilage of the humeral trochlea and femoral condyle also showed no change.