Objective:
In earlier studies, the resonant frequency (RF) of the middle ear has
been investigated in a number of different animals. However, no study
has so far specifically addressed the measurement of RF in rats. With
this in mind, in
our study, multifrequency tympanometry (MFT) was performed on rats
and RF value measurements were taken.
The aim was to
ascertain the normal values for rats used in our university
experiments and to provide guidance for further research to be
undertaken in this area.
Materials and Methods: For
the study, 16 male and 16 female adult Sprague Downey rats (32
animals, 64 ears) aged 10 months old and in healthy condition were
used. MFT at 226Hz frequency and above was performed on all the rats
after they had been anaesthetised. In the first instance tympanograms
were recorded using the 226Hz probe tone, following which MFT
measurements were performed. RF values for the middle ear were
determined in the range 200-2000Hz.
Results: For
male rats, the mean RF value was 426.56 (± 193.01 Hz), whilst for
female rats the mean was 496.88 (± 132.55) Hz. When the values
obtained for the male and female rats were compared, no statistically
significant difference was observed between the two groups (p=0.061).
Accordingly, the mean RF value for the rats as a whole (obtained for
64 ears) was calculated to be 461.7 (± 168.02) Hz.
Conclusion: In
this research, RF values for the middle ear of rats has been
demonstrated to be measurable. However, further research is needed
into the relationship between RF and the characteristics of the
middle ear in rats.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Health Care Administration |
Journal Section | Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | December 18, 2018 |
Submission Date | October 12, 2018 |
Acceptance Date | November 12, 2018 |
Published in Issue | Year 2018 |