hide
Free keywords:
-
Abstract:
Conclusions: Gentamicin causes irreversible structural damage of human
and artificial otoconia by progressive dissolution of calcite. The inner
architecture of otoconia is strongly affected by degradation scenarios
during gentamicin exposure. Artificial otoconia can be used as a model
system mimicking the chemical attacks for detailed investigations.
Objectives: To investigate the chemical interactions of gentamicin with
natural calcite and human and artificial otoconia under in vivo
conditions. Methods: Pure calcite crystals and artificial and human
otoconia were exposed to gentamicin injection solutions at various
concentrations. Morphological changes were observed in time steps by the
use of environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Results:
Dissolution of pure calcite crystals results in the formation of well
oriented nanoshoots indicating an irreversible chemical reaction with
gentamicin. Human and artificial otoconia reveal irreversible structural
changes of their surface areas as well as of their inner structure,
resulting in characteristic changes at different gentamicin
concentrations. Minor changes are first observed by surface alterations
and dissolution of calcite in the belly region. Major changes result in
further reduction of the belly area reaching the center of symmetry.
Finally, a complete dissolution of the branches takes place. Artificial
otoconia provide detailed insight into surface alterations.
