AIMTo investigate the preventive effects of the cerebro cellular growth peptide (CCGP) on gentamycin-induced inner ear damage in guinea pigs, and to clarify its mechanism.

METHODSThe hypoacusis severity and enzymatic activity in the cochlear hair cells were examined by brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) and histochemistry, respectively. The damaged hair cells was counted in three groups.

RESULTSCCGP reduced the elevated BAEP reaction thresholds. It protected activities of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase and lysosome acid phosphatase in the cochlear hair cells. The number of damaged hair cells in the CCGP group was less than that in the gentamycin (GM) group.

CONCLUSIONCCGP can reduce GM ototoxicity. The mechanism may be associated with the protective activity of mitochondrial enzyme, the maintenance of lysosome intactness, energy metabolism of the cochlear hair cells, and reduction of autolysis of hair cells induced by hydrolase over flowing from lysosome.