An Animal Model of Hearing Loss From -Difluoromethylornithine

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Abstract
• α-Difluoromethylornithine is a new antineoplastic and antiparasitic drug that inhibits the synthesis of polyamines. It causes a sensorineural hearing loss in humans. We have established an animal model for α-difluoromethylornithine-induced hearing loss. The time course for onset and recovery of the hearing loss in animals was similar to that seen in humans. Electrophysiologic and histologic data suggest that the anatomic site of α-difluoromethylornithine-induced hearing loss is the organ of Corti. Unlike other drugs with ototoxic effects, the specific enzymatic site of action of α-difluoromethylornithine is known, making it a potentially important tool in auditory research. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1989;115:1234-1237)