Noise protection with N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) using a variety of noise exposures, NAC doses, and routes of administration

Acta Otolaryngol. 2007 Sep;127(9):914-9. doi: 10.1080/00016480601110188.

Abstract

Conclusion: These studies extend previous work on N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and noise, showing protection with NAC against a high-kurtosis noise, showing protection with NAC at low doses, as well as protection by oral gavage. The studies further reveal the potential for the use of NAC in a clinical population exposed to noise.

Objective: To extend previous work on NAC protection from noise, the current study examined the effectiveness of NAC against a high-kurtosis noise that combined continuous and impact noise, tested the effectiveness of NAC at varying doses, and tested NAC when administered by gavage.

Materials and methods: Chinchillas were tested for auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) at five frequencies before and at three time points after one of three noise exposures: high-kurtosis (2 h, 108 dB L(eq)), impulse (75 pairs of 155 dB pSPL impulses), or continuous (4 kHz octave band, 105 dB SPL for 6 h). Animals were treated with NAC or saline vehicle before and after noise.

Results: The NAC was protective against the high-kurtosis noise both at low doses and when given orally by gavage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Auditory Threshold
  • Chinchilla
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem
  • Free Radical Scavengers / administration & dosage*
  • Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / prevention & control*
  • Models, Animal
  • Noise / adverse effects

Substances

  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Acetylcysteine