Hunan Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 1999 ; 24(5): 465-7.

[Protective effect of Radix Salvia Miltiorrhizae on radiation damage of the cochlea]

Yang X, Lu Y, Xie D.

Department of Otolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Hunan Medical University, Changsha 410011.

In order to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effects of Radix Salvia Miltiorrhizae on radiation damage of the cochlea, guinea pigs were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was treated by radiation added with Radix Salvia Miltiorrhizae. Group 2 was radiated alone, and Group 3 was control. Group 1 and Group 2 were radiated with a single dose of gamma radiation(60 Gy). Morphological and functional observation of the cochleae was performed in two weeks after radiation. The result showed that the changes of complex action potential(CAP) and the cochlear structure were slight in Group 1, but obvious changes were found in Group 2. There was a significant difference in CAP response threshold and incidence of the cochlear hair cell loss between Group 1 and Group 2 (P < 0.01). These results suggest that Radix Salvia Miltiorrhiza may prevent radiation-induced cochlea damage. Its protective mechanisms may be cleaning free radicals, blocking calcium channel and improving microcirculation of the cochlea.