Abstract
Introduction Riluzole (2-amino-6-trifluoromethoxy benzothiazole) is known as a neuroprotective,
antioxidant, antiapoptotic agent. It may have beneficial effects on neuronal cell
death due to cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
Objective To evaluate the effect of riluzole on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in guinea pigs.
Methods Twenty-four guinea pigs, studied in three groups, underwent auditory brainstem response
evaluation using click and 8 kHz tone burst stimuli. Subsequently, 5 mg/kg of cisplatin
were administered to all animals for 3 days intraperitoneally (i.p.) to induce ototoxicity.
Half an hour prior to cisplatin, groups 1, 2 and 3 received 2 ml of saline i.p., 6
mg/kg of riluzole hydrochloride i.p., and 8 mg/kg of riluzole hydrochloride i.p.,
respectively, for 3 days. The auditory brainstem responses were repeated 24 hours
after the last drug administration. The cochleae were analyzed by transmission electron
microscopy (TEM).
Results After drug administiration, for 8,000 Hz stimulus, group 1 had significantly higher
threshold shifts when compared with groups 2 (p < 0.05) and 3 (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in threshold shifts between groups
2 and 3 (p > 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy findings demonstrated the protective effect
of riluzole on the hair cells and the stria vascularis, especially in the group treated
with 8 mg/kg of riluzole hydrochloride.
Conclusion We can say that riluzole may have a protective effect on cisplatin- induced ototoxicity.
However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results and the mechanisms
of action of riluzole.
Keywords
riluzole - cisplatin - ototoxicity - auditory brainstem response - transmission electron
microscopy
