Melanin in the inner ear

Abstract

Following several studies on the effects of kanamycin toxicity on the inner ears of guinea pigs, we have studied the importance of melanin in this phenomenon. Transmission electron microscopy showed that, under the influence of kanamycin, the intermediate strial cells developed a secretory aspect similar to that seen in skin melanocytes. This aspect as yet has never been described for the inner ear cells. A planimetric, morphometric method was also used to determine the strial cell melanin status in control animals. Additional findings in the study confirmed an increase in the number of melanosomes during kanamycin poisoning. Statistical data are discussed.

Tobramycin Promotes Melanogenesis by Upregulating p38 MAPK Protein Phosphorylation in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

“…Melanin, which protects the skin against UVR, is produced in melanosomes and is present in the human skin, hair, eyes, ears, and even brain [30,31]. Excessive pigmentation causes hyperpigmentation, whereas insufficient pigmentation is associated with the degradation of pigmentation [6].…”

Association of vitiligo with high‐frequency sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…8,9 Melanin is also considered to prevent free radical damage due to its cytoprotective function of cationic exchange properties and helps to resist noise-induced hearing impairment. [10][11][12] Although melanocytes play a role in the hearing system and may be affected in vitiligo patients, various studies on the association between hearing impairment and vitiligo revealed conflicting results. [13][14][15] Therefore, we aimed to systematically evaluate the current best evidence on the associations of vitiligo with hearing impairment at different frequencies.…”

“…In the hearing system, melanocytes are located in the stria vascularis and spiral ligament area, and play an essential role in modulating the function of Na + /K + ‐ATPase and potassium channels to maintain the endocochlear electrical potential and hair cell function 8,9 . Melanin is also considered to prevent free radical damage due to its cytoprotective function of cationic exchange properties and helps to resist noise‐induced hearing impairment 10–12 …”