Attenuation of streptomycin ototoxicity by tetramethylpyrazine and its effect on K⁺ channels in the outer hair cells of guinea pig cochlea.

In order to elucidate the mechanism underlying the attenuation of streptomycin ototoxicity by tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), the present study investigated the effect of TMP on the outward K(+) current in the outer hair cells of guinea pig cochlea. Sixty guinea pigs were divided into 6 groups randomly. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was used to observe the change in thresholds and to evaluate ototoxicity induced by streptomycin.