Neuritin restores auditory following cochlear spiral ganglion neuron denervation of gerbils

Abstract Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) transmit sound signals received by hair cells to the auditory center to produce hearing. The quantity and function are important for maintaining normal hearing function. Limited by the regenerative capacity, SGNs are unable to regenerate spontaneously after injury. Various neurotrophic factors play an important role in the regeneration process. Neuritin, a neurite outgrowth factor, is a neurotrophic factor closely related to neural plasticity. In this study, we used bioinformatics analysis to show that neuritin was negatively correlated with cochlear damage. Then, we aimed to establish a cochlear spiral ganglion-specific sensorineural deafness model in gerbils using ouabain and determine the effects of exogenous neuritin protein in protecting damaged cochlear SGNs and repairing damaged auditory nerve function. The provides a new research strategy and scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of sensorineural deafness caused by the loss of SGNs. We found that neuritin is expressed throughout the development of the gerbil cochlea, primarily in the SGNs and Corti regions. The expression of neuritin was negatively correlated with the sensorineural deafness model. In vitro and in vivo revealed that neuritin significantly maintained the number and arrangement of SGNs and nerve fibers in the damaged cochlea and effectively protected the high-frequency listening function of gerbils.