Normelatonin is a neuroprotective factor for postnatal spiral ganglion cells

Introduction:

A key criterion for an optimal performance of auditory implants is a structurally and functionally intact neuronal cell population in the spiral ganglion of the inner ear. Normelatonin (N-Acetylserotonin), a precursor of Melatonin, is a TrkB receptor agonist that is also involved in the regulation of neurogenesis in the central nervous system. The role of normelatonin in the inner ear is largely unkown.

Material and methods:

Neurotrophic effects following addition of Normelatonin (10 – 10000 nM) were evaluated and quantified in cultures of spiral ganglion neurons derived from postnatal rats.

Results:

Analyses showed a significantly increased survival (p < 0,05) of the neuronal subpopulation in spiral ganglion cell cultures in the presence of 1000 nM normelatonin (26.1 ± 4,2%) as compared to the control (19.5 ± 3.6%).

Conclusions:

The data of this study suggest a neuroprotective effect of normelatonin on postnatal spiral ganglion neurons. Thus, this TrkB receptor agonist complements the pool of new agents to be considered for a future clinical use in the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss, in particular in combination with cochlear implantation.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)