Delayed neurotrophin treatment supports auditory neuron survival in deaf guinea pigs

This is a publisher’s version of an article published in NeuroReport 2004. This version is reproduced with permission of Lippincott Wilkins & Williams.As key factors in the development and maintenance of the auditory system, neurotrophins can prevent auditory neuron degeneration when applied within three to five days of deafening. We tested each of the neurotrophins BDNF, NT-3, NT-4/5 and NGF for their ability to support auditory neuron survival following a two-week period of deafness in guinea pigs, when ~B15% auditory neuron degeneration has already occurred. Although delayed, the treatment with each neurotrophin prevented further degeneration with similar efficacy