A putative role of p53 pathway against impulse noise induced damage as demonstrated by protection with pifithrin-alpha and a Src inhibitor.

Highlights: [•] Impulse noise leads to OHC pathology within 24h after exposure. [•] In the normal cochlea phospho-p53 (Ser 15) was lightly expressed in the cochlea. [•] P53 is overexpressed in both OHC and Hensen cells in the early stage of damage. [•] OHC damage could be reduced by PFT, a p53 inhibitor; or by KX1-004. [•] A greater protection by KX1-004 suggests a role of Src-dependent pathway in noise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]