Millions of people suffer from the constant sensation of ringing or buzzing in the ears known as tinnitus, creating constant irritation for some and severe anxiety for others, according to an announcement on the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) website. Research by scientists at OHSU shows why a common antidepressant medication may worsen the condition.
The study, published Aug. 22 in the journal Cell Reports, focused on the action of serotonin, an important neuromodulator in the brain. Researchers examined brain tissue in mice, specifically the dorsal cochlear nucleus where sensory integration and tinnitus occurs. Researchers discovered that neurons known as fusiform cells within this portion of the brain become hyperactive and hypersensitive to stimuli when exposed to serotonin.
“We saw that the activity of those neurons went through the roof,” said senior author Laurence Trussell, PhD, a professor of otolaryngology in the OHSU School of Medicine and scientist in the OHSU Vollum Institute.
If the findings bear up to additional research, the study could have implications for a common class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs can alleviate symptoms of moderate to severe depression and anxiety by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical compound that acts as a neurotransmitter thought to be responsible for maintaining mood balance.
However, the research suggests that SSRIs prescribed to treat anxiety or depression may sometimes worsen patients’ tinnitus. Tinnitus is defined as the chronic perception of sound when there is no internal or external acoustic source.
“If you’re a physician treating a patient for depression who also has hearing loss or tinnitus, you may want to be careful about prescribing a drug that compounds their feelings of anxiety,” said Trussell, who also suffers from tinnitus and, in addition to his other roles, has an appointment in the Oregon Hearing Research Center at OHSU. “The SSRI may be enhancing the thing you’re trying to fix.”
Zheng-Quan Tang, PhD (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)
“Estimates vary, but at least 10 percent of the US population is affected by tinnitus,” Tang said.
The OHSU scientists are interested in exploring another area of research focused on a type of ion channel in the membrane of neurons that is activated by serotonin. If the scientists can determine a way to deactivate those channels, they may be able to allow the beneficial effects of antidepressants while limiting the severity of tinnitus.
The study was supported by the Hearing Health Foundation and National Institutes of Health grants NS028901 and DC004450.
Original Paper: Zheng-Quan T, Trussell LO. Serotonergic modulation of sensory representation in a central multisensory circuit is pathway specific. Cell Reports. August 22, 2017;20(8): 1844-1854. DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.07.079
Source: OHSU, Cell Reports
Images: OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff
the problem with SSRI is that it does not produce more serotonin… you cannot recycle what you don’t have
I have been suffering from Tinnitus in left ear now right ear. No treatment on the Nhs . After reading your article on SSRis. My anxiety levels have heightened and terrified to take prescribed sertraline for depression and anxiety. As the condition has robbed me of the qualifty of life. Is there anything else you could enlighten I with information regarding Tinnitus. I would be grateful.