Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on gentamicin (GM)-induced morphological damage of an artificial otoconia.

MATERIALS and METHODS: An artificial otoconia powder was placed in a 12-well culture plate containing artificial endolymph. GM (500 μL; 40 mg/mL) was added to the first four wells. GM (500 μL; 40 mg/mL) with GBE (500 μL) was added to the next four wells. PBS (500 μL) was added to the remaining four wells as a control. The levels of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis were determined in the supernatants of each group. Alteration in surface morphology and calcium content were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively.

RESULTS: NO concentration increased in the GM-treated group compared with that in the control group. When the calcite–gelatin composite was treated with GBE, GM-stimulated NO production significantly decreased. The surface of the calcite–gelatin composite exposed to GM showed erosive fissures and had a honeycomb-like appearance. GBE showed a protective effect against dissolution. EDX showed that the calcium content of the GM-treated group significantly decreased. However, the GBE-treated group demonstrated an insignificant change in the calcium concentration compared with the control.

CONCLUSION: From these results, we can conclude that GBE may have a protective effect against GM-induced NO production and superficial structural changes.