Transplantation of neuronal stem cells prevented ischemia-induced hair cell degeneration by suppressing the production of NOx.

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Transplantation of neuronal stem cells (NSCs) is regarded to be a potential approach for promoting repair of damaged organs. Here, we investigated the influence of NSCs on progressive hair cell degeneration after transient cochlear ischemia in gerbils. Transient cochlear ischemia was produced by extracranial occlusion of the bilateral vertebral arteries just before their entry into the transverse foramen of the cervical vertebra. Intrascalar injection of NSC prevented ischemia-induced hair cell degeneration and ameliorated hearing impairment. We also showed that the NOx level in the organ of Corti was suppressed after cochlear ischemia by treatment with NSC. Thus, we propose HSC as a potential new therapeutic strategy for hearing loss by suppressing the production of NOx in the organ of Corti after ischemia.