Decrease of ototoxicity of streptomycin sulfate. Preliminary communication of animal experiments

Pantothenic acid and coenzyme A in experimental cisplatin-induced ototoxia

We have observed that pantothenic acid (PA) prevents deafness induced by cisplatin (CP) in the guinea pig if both drugs are administered jointly. When deafness was previously produced, recovery was sometimes obtained after the administration of PA; so, we studied the effects of PA on cisplatian-induced ototoxia in guinea pigs, both as a prophylactic agent in healthy animals, and as a therapeutic agent in animals previously made deaf by the drug. To elucidate why PA protects the ear from the toxic effects of CP, we used coenzyme A (CoA) instead of PA-since PA is a component of CoA-to test the hypothesis that the action of PA is due to CoA. The results were practically the same in both experiences, the compound action potential of the auditory nerve (CAP) was tested and cochleas were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our results suggest that the protective effect of PA takes place through CoA. Both substances had the same effect on CP ototoxicity, but CoA appears to be much more active, since the dose tested here was much lower than that of PA.

Prophylaxis of kanamycin-induced ototoxicity by a radioprotectant

S-2 (3-aminopropylamino)ethylphosphorothioate ameliorates hearing losses due to ototoxic doses of kanamycin sulfate in the guinea pig when administered one hour before the antibiotic. Since this radioprotectant is believed to operate as a free-radical scavenger, kanamycin ototoxicity may involve free radicals.