Effect of neurotrophic factors on the inner ear: Clinical implications

Loss of auditory neurons is commonly associated with sensorineural deafness, and may result from either direct neuronal injury or be a consequence of sensory hair cell loss (i.e. loss of a source of trophic factors). Developmental studies and in vitro studies of adult auditory neurons have begun to identify growth factors important for the development, maintenance, and rescue/repair of auditory neurons. Specific neurotrophic factors have been shown to enhance the auditory neurons' ability to withstand traumatic loss of target tissue connections and toxic injury. Promising initial in vivo studies confirm that specific neurotrophins are able to support neuronal survival and promote neuronal repair in an intact animal following injury to the cochlea. Further study into unique methods and routes of growth factor delivery will provide insights into the possibility of neurotrophic growth factors to act as drugs for the treatment of injured or stressed auditory neurons.