The Gunn Rat: An Experimental Model for Central Deafness

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Abstract
The Gunn rat which develops neonatal hyperbi-lirubinemia has been used as an experimental model to evaluate the effect of bilirubin on the auditory system. Electrocochleographic and morphological studies (includ ing light microscopy, surface preparations and transmis sion electron microscopy) did not reveal any cochlear abnormality in homozygous Gunn rats. Brainstem audi tory evoked potentials showed morphological and arnpli tude changes suggesting a functional damage in the brain-stem auditory pathways. These results suggest that hear ing loss, when observed in kernicterus. is primarily due to neuronal damage at the level of brainstern auditory nuclei.