Effect of salicylate on potassium currents in inner hair cells isolated from guinea-pig cochlea

Although salicylate is one of the most widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it causes moderate hearing loss and tinnitus at high-dose levels. In the present study, salicylate effects on the K currents in inner hair cells were examined. Salicylate reversibly reduced the outward K currents (IK,f), but did not affect the inward current (IK,n). Salicylate blocked the outward K currents in a concentration-dependent manner according to Hill equation with a half-blocking concentration of 1.66 mM, and the Hill coefficient of 1.86.

► Salicylate causes moderate hearing loss and tinnitus at high-dose levels.
► Salicylate reversibly reduced the outward K currents but did not affect the inward currents.
► Salicylate blocked the outward K currents in a concentration-dependent manner according to Hill equation.