Title: The Blood-Labyrinth Barrier in Cisplatin-Induced Cochlear Injury

Speaker: Cathy Yea Won Sung, PhD

Cisplatin-induced hearing loss is a significant clinical concern for cancer patients receiving cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Following systemic administration, cisplatin can enter the inner ear through the blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB), where its accumulation can lead to cochlear damage, including outer hair cell loss. The BLB plays a critical role in maintaining cochlear homeostasis by regulating the exchange of molecules between systemic circulation and the inner ear. However, whether cisplatin treatment alters BLB permeability and how such changes may contribute to cisplatin accumulation and ototoxicity remain incompletely understood.

To address this question, we investigated the effects of systemic cisplatin treatment on BLB integrity and permeability. We further examined molecular factors that may be involved in regulating cochlear vascular permeability and contribute to cisplatin-associated changes in BLB function. Together, these studies aim to characterize the effects of cisplatin on the BLB and identify molecular mechanisms underlying changes in barrier permeability following cisplatin exposure.

Zoom link for online seminars (used throughout the semester):

https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/97359327852?pwd=0HDya18oxt4Yg8FiBr4WAn0F5jnzMw.1

Meeting ID: 973 5932 7852 Passcode: 219629