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Fischl M, Pederson A, Voglewede R, Cheng H, Drew J, Cadenas LT, Weisz CJ. Fast inhibition slows and desynchronizes mouse auditory efferent neuron activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.21.572886. [PMID: 38313270 PMCID: PMC10836066 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
The encoding of acoustic stimuli requires precise neuron timing. Auditory neurons in the cochlear nucleus (CN) and brainstem are well-suited for accurate analysis of fast acoustic signals, given their physiological specializations of fast membrane time constants, fast axonal conduction, and reliable synaptic transmission. The medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons that provide efferent inhibition of the cochlea reside in the ventral brainstem and participate in these fast neural circuits. However, their modulation of cochlear function occurs over time scales of a slower nature. This suggests the presence of mechanisms that restrict MOC inhibition of cochlear function. To determine how monaural excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs integrate to affect the timing of MOC neuron activity, we developed a novel in vitro slice preparation ('wedge-slice'). The wedge-slice maintains the ascending auditory nerve root, the entire CN and projecting axons, while preserving the ability to perform visually guided patch-clamp electrophysiology recordings from genetically identified MOC neurons. The 'in vivo-like' timing of the wedge-slice demonstrates that the inhibitory pathway accelerates relative to the excitatory pathway when the ascending circuit is intact, and the CN portion of the inhibitory circuit is precise enough to compensate for reduced precision in later synapses. When combined with machine learning PSC analysis and computational modeling, we demonstrate a larger suppression of MOC neuron activity when the inhibition occurs with in vivo-like timing. This delay of MOC activity may ensure that the MOC system is only engaged by sustained background sounds, preventing a maladaptive hyper-suppression of cochlear activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fischl
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Current affiliation: Lafayette College, Neuroscience Program, Easton, PA 18042, USA
| | - Alia Pederson
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Current affiliation: The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Rebecca Voglewede
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hui Cheng
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Collaboration Core, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jordan Drew
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Current affiliation: Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Lester Torres Cadenas
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Catherine J.C. Weisz
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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2
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Williams IR, Filimontseva A, Connelly CJ, Ryugo DK. The lateral superior olive in the mouse: Two systems of projecting neurons. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:1038500. [PMID: 36338332 PMCID: PMC9630946 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.1038500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The lateral superior olive (LSO) is a key structure in the central auditory system of mammals that exerts efferent control on cochlear sensitivity and is involved in the processing of binaural level differences for sound localization. Understanding how the LSO contributes to these processes requires knowledge about the resident cells and their connections with other auditory structures. We used standard histological stains and retrograde tracer injections into the inferior colliculus (IC) and cochlea in order to characterize two basic groups of neurons: (1) Principal and periolivary (PO) neurons have projections to the IC as part of the ascending auditory pathway; and (2) lateral olivocochlear (LOC) intrinsic and shell efferents have descending projections to the cochlea. Principal and intrinsic neurons are intermixed within the LSO, exhibit fusiform somata, and have disk-shaped dendritic arborizations. The principal neurons have bilateral, symmetric, and tonotopic projections to the IC. The intrinsic efferents have strictly ipsilateral projections, known to be tonotopic from previous publications. PO and shell neurons represent much smaller populations (<10% of principal and intrinsic neurons, respectively), have multipolar somata, reside outside the LSO, and have non-topographic, bilateral projections. PO and shell neurons appear to have widespread projections to their targets that imply a more diffuse modulatory function. The somata and dendrites of principal and intrinsic neurons form a laminar matrix within the LSO and share quantifiably similar alignment to the tonotopic axis. Their restricted projections emphasize the importance of frequency in binaural processing and efferent control for auditory perception. This study addressed and expanded on previous findings of cell types, circuit laterality, and projection tonotopy in the LSO of the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella R. Williams
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Isabella R. Williams,
| | | | - Catherine J. Connelly
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - David K. Ryugo
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia,Department of Otolaryngology-Head, Neck and Skull Base Surgery, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
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3
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Romero GE, Trussell LO. Central circuitry and function of the cochlear efferent systems. Hear Res 2022; 425:108516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2022.108516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Vicencio-Jimenez S, Weinberg MM, Bucci-Mansilla G, Lauer AM. Olivocochlear Changes Associated With Aging Predominantly Affect the Medial Olivocochlear System. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:704805. [PMID: 34539335 PMCID: PMC8446540 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.704805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a public health problem that has been associated with negative health outcomes ranging from increased frailty to an elevated risk of developing dementia. Significant gaps remain in our knowledge of the underlying central neural mechanisms, especially those related to the efferent auditory pathways. Thus, the aim of this study was to quantify and compare age-related alterations in the cholinergic olivocochlear efferent auditory neurons. We assessed, in young-adult and aged CBA mice, the number of cholinergic olivocochlear neurons, auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds in silence and in presence of background noise, and the expression of excitatory and inhibitory proteins in the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) and in the lateral superior olive (LSO). In association with aging, we found a significant decrease in the number of medial olivocochlear (MOC) cholinergic neurons together with changes in the ratio of excitatory and inhibitory proteins in the VNTB. Furthermore, in old mice we identified a correlation between the number of MOC neurons and ABR thresholds in the presence of background noise. In contrast, the alterations observed in the lateral olivocochlear (LOC) system were less significant. The decrease in the number of LOC cells associated with aging was 2.7-fold lower than in MOC and in the absence of changes in the expression of excitatory and inhibitory proteins in the LSO. These differences suggest that aging alters the medial and lateral olivocochlear efferent pathways in a differential manner and that the changes observed may account for some of the symptoms seen in ARHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Vicencio-Jimenez
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Madison M Weinberg
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Giuliana Bucci-Mansilla
- Laboratorio de Neurosistemas, Departamento de Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Amanda M Lauer
- The Center for Hearing and Balance, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Ohata K, Kondo M, Ozono Y, Hanada Y, Sato T, Inohara H, Shimada S. Cochlear protection against noise exposure requires serotonin type 3A receptor via the medial olivocochlear system. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21486. [PMID: 33811700 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002383r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The cochlear efferent feedback system plays important roles in auditory processing, including regulation of the dynamic range of hearing, and provides protection against acoustic trauma. These functions are performed through medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. The serotonin type 3A (5-HT3A) receptor is widely expressed throughout the nervous system, which suggests important roles in various neural functions. However, involvement of the 5-HT3A receptor in the MOC system remains unclear. We used mice in this study and found that the 5-HT3A receptor was expressed in MOC neurons that innervated outer hair cells in the cochlea and was involved in the activation of MOC neurons by noise exposure. 5-HT3A receptor knockout impaired MOC functions, potentiated noise-induced hearing loss, and increased loss of ribbon synapses following noise exposure. Furthermore, 5-HT3 receptor agonist treatment alleviated the noise-induced hearing loss and loss of ribbon synapses, which enhanced cochlear protection provided by the MOC system. Our findings demonstrate that the 5-HT3A receptor plays fundamental roles in the MOC system and critically contributes to protection from noise-induced hearing impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Ohata
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Makoto Kondo
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ozono
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hanada
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takashi Sato
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hidenori Inohara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
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Romero GE, Trussell LO. Distinct forms of synaptic plasticity during ascending vs descending control of medial olivocochlear efferent neurons. eLife 2021; 10:66396. [PMID: 34250904 PMCID: PMC8321555 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Activity in each brain region is shaped by the convergence of ascending and descending axonal pathways, and the balance and characteristics of these determine the neural output. The medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent system is part of a reflex arc that critically controls auditory sensitivity. Multiple central pathways contact MOC neurons, raising the question of how a reflex arc could be engaged by diverse inputs. We examined functional properties of synapses onto brainstem MOC neurons from ascending (ventral cochlear nucleus, VCN) and descending (inferior colliculus, IC) sources in mice using an optogenetic approach. We found that these pathways exhibited opposing forms of short-term plasticity, with the VCN input showing depression and the IC input showing marked facilitation. By using a conductance-clamp approach, we found that combinations of facilitating and depressing inputs enabled firing of MOC neurons over a surprisingly wide dynamic range, suggesting an essential role for descending signaling to a brainstem nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel E Romero
- Physiology & Pharmacology Graduate Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
| | - Laurence O Trussell
- Oregon Hearing Research Center and Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, United States
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7
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Wang Y, Sanghvi M, Gribizis A, Zhang Y, Song L, Morley B, Barson DG, Santos-Sacchi J, Navaratnam D, Crair M. Efferent feedback controls bilateral auditory spontaneous activity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2449. [PMID: 33907194 PMCID: PMC8079389 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22796-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the developing auditory system, spontaneous activity generated in the cochleae propagates into the central nervous system to promote circuit formation. The effects of peripheral firing patterns on spontaneous activity in the central auditory system are not well understood. Here, we describe wide-spread bilateral coupling of spontaneous activity that coincides with the period of transient efferent modulation of inner hair cells from the brainstem medial olivocochlear system. Knocking out α9/α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, a requisite part of the efferent pathway, profoundly reduces bilateral correlations. Pharmacological and chemogenetic experiments confirm that the efferent system is necessary for normal bilateral coupling. Moreover, auditory sensitivity at hearing onset is reduced in the absence of pre-hearing efferent modulation. Together, these results demonstrate how afferent and efferent pathways collectively shape spontaneous activity patterns and reveal the important role of efferents in coordinating bilateral spontaneous activity and the emergence of functional responses during the prehearing period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maya Sanghvi
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexandra Gribizis
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, One Max Planck Way, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Yueyi Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Barbara Morley
- Center for Sensory Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Daniel G Barson
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joseph Santos-Sacchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dhasakumar Navaratnam
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Surgery (Otolaryngology), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael Crair
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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8
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Suthakar K, Ryugo DK. Projections from the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus to the cochlea in the mouse. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2995-3012. [PMID: 33754334 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Auditory efferents originate in the central auditory system and project to the cochlea. Although the specific anatomy of the olivocochlear (OC) efferents can vary between species, two types of auditory efferents have been identified based upon the general location of their cell bodies and their distinctly different axon terminations in the organ of Corti. In the mouse, the relatively small somata of the lateral (LOC) efferents reside in the lateral superior olive (LSO), have unmyelinated axons, and terminate around ipsilateral inner hair cells (IHCs), primarily against the afferent processes of type I auditory nerve fibers. In contrast, the larger somata of the medial (MOC) efferents are distributed in the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB), have myelinated axons, and terminate bilaterally against the base of multiple outer hair cells (OHCs). Using in vivo retrograde cell body marking, anterograde axon tracing, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy, we have identified a group of efferent neurons in mouse, whose cell bodies reside in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL). By virtue of their location, we call them dorsal efferent (DE) neurons. Labeled DE cells were immuno-negative for tyrosine hydroxylase, glycine, and GABA, but immuno-positive for choline acetyltransferase. Morphologically, DEs resembled LOC efferents by their small somata, unmyelinated axons, and ipsilateral projection to IHCs. These three classes of efferent neurons all project axons directly to the cochlea and exhibit cholinergic staining characteristics. The challenge is to discover the contributions of this new population of neurons to auditory efferent function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirupa Suthakar
- Hearing Research, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David K Ryugo
- Hearing Research, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Otolaryngology, Head, Neck & Skull Base Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Otolaryngology-HNS, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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9
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Torres Cadenas L, Fischl MJ, Weisz CJC. Synaptic Inhibition of Medial Olivocochlear Efferent Neurons by Neurons of the Medial Nucleus of the Trapezoid Body. J Neurosci 2020; 40:509-525. [PMID: 31719165 PMCID: PMC6961997 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1288-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent neurons in the brainstem comprise the final stage of descending control of the mammalian peripheral auditory system through axon projections to the cochlea. MOC activity adjusts cochlear gain and frequency tuning, and protects the ear from acoustic trauma. The neuronal pathways that activate and modulate the MOC somata in the brainstem to drive these cochlear effects are poorly understood. Evidence suggests that MOC neurons are primarily excited by sound stimuli in a three-neuron activation loop from the auditory nerve via an intermediate neuron in the cochlear nucleus. Anatomical studies suggest that MOC neurons receive diverse synaptic inputs, but the functional effect of additional synaptic influences on MOC neuron responses is unknown. Here we use patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings from identified MOC neurons in brainstem slices from mice of either sex to demonstrate that in addition to excitatory glutamatergic synapses, MOC neurons receive inhibitory GABAergic and glycinergic synaptic inputs. These synapses are activated by electrical stimulation of axons near the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). Focal glutamate uncaging confirms MNTB neurons as a source of inhibitory synapses onto MOC neurons. MNTB neurons inhibit MOC action potentials, but this effect depresses with repeat activation. This work identifies a new pathway of connectivity between brainstem auditory neurons and indicates that MOC neurons are both excited and inhibited by sound stimuli received at the same ear. The pathway depression suggests that the effect of MNTB inhibition of MOC neurons diminishes over the course of a sustained sound.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons are the final stage of descending control of the mammalian auditory system and exert influence on cochlear mechanics to modulate perception of acoustic stimuli. The brainstem pathways that drive MOC function are poorly understood. Here we show for the first time that MOC neurons are inhibited by neurons of the MNTB, which may suppress the effects of MOC activity on the cochlea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lester Torres Cadenas
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Matthew J Fischl
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Catherine J C Weisz
- Section on Neuronal Circuitry, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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10
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Fischl MJ, Ueberfuhr MA, Drexl M, Pagella S, Sinclair JL, Alexandrova O, Deussing JM, Kopp-Scheinpflug C. Urocortin 3 signalling in the auditory brainstem aids recovery of hearing after reversible noise-induced threshold shift. J Physiol 2019; 597:4341-4355. [PMID: 31270820 PMCID: PMC6852351 DOI: 10.1113/jp278132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Ongoing, moderate noise exposure does not instantly damage the auditory system but may cause lasting deficits, such as elevated thresholds and accelerated ageing of the auditory system. The neuromodulatory peptide urocortin-3 (UCN3) is involved in the body's recovery from a stress response, and is also expressed in the cochlea and the auditory brainstem. Lack of UCN3 facilitates age-induced hearing loss and causes permanently elevated auditory thresholds following a single 2 h noise exposure at moderate intensities. Outer hair cell function in mice lacking UCN3 is unaffected, so that the observed auditory deficits are most likely due to inner hair cell function or central mechanisms. Highly specific, rather than ubiquitous, expression of UCN3 in the brain renders it a promising candidate for designing drugs to ameliorate stress-related auditory deficits, including recovery from acoustic trauma. ABSTRACT Environmental acoustic noise is omnipresent in our modern society, with sound levels that are considered non-damaging still causing long-lasting or permanent changes in the auditory system. The small neuromodulatory peptide urocortin-3 (UCN3) is the endogenous ligand for corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 2 and together they are known to play an important role in stress recovery. UCN3 expression has been observed in the auditory brainstem, but its role remains unclear. Here we describe the detailed distribution of UCN3 expression in the murine auditory brainstem and provide evidence that UCN3 is expressed in the synaptic region of inner hair cells in the cochlea. We also show that mice with deficient UCN3 signalling experience premature ageing of the auditory system starting at an age of 4.7 months with significantly elevated thresholds of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) compared to age-matched wild-type mice. Following a single, 2 h exposure to moderate (84 or 94 dB SPL) noise, UCN3-deficient mice exhibited significantly larger shifts in ABR thresholds combined with maladaptive recovery. In wild-type mice, the same noise exposure did not cause lasting changes to auditory thresholds. The presence of UCN3-expressing neurons throughout the auditory brainstem and the predisposition to hearing loss caused by preventing its normal expression suggests UCN3 as an important neuromodulatory peptide in the auditory system's response to loud sounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fischl
- Department of Biology II, Division Neurobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Margarete A Ueberfuhr
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Drexl
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Sara Pagella
- Department of Biology II, Division Neurobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - James L Sinclair
- Department of Biology II, Division Neurobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Olga Alexandrova
- Department of Biology II, Division Neurobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan M Deussing
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Molecular Neurogenetics, Munich, Germany
| | - Conny Kopp-Scheinpflug
- Department of Biology II, Division Neurobiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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11
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Baashar A, Robertson D, Yates NJ, Mulders WHAM. Targets of olivocochlear collaterals in cochlear nucleus of rat and guinea pig. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2273-2290. [PMID: 30861121 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Descending auditory pathways can modify afferent auditory input en route to cortex. One component of these pathways is the olivocochlear system which originates in brainstem and terminates in cochlea. Medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons also project collaterals to cochlear nucleus and make synaptic contacts with dendrites of multipolar neurons. Two broadly distinct populations of multipolar cells exist: T-stellate and D-stellate neurons, thought to project to inferior colliculus and contralateral cochlear nucleus, respectively. It is unclear which of these neurons receive direct MOC collateral input due to conflicting results between in vivo and in vitro studies. This study used anatomical techniques to identify which multipolar cell population receives synaptic innervation from MOC collaterals. The retrograde tracer Fluorogold was injected into inferior colliculus or cochlear nucleus to label T-stellate and D-stellate neurons, respectively. Axonal branches of MOC neurons were labeled by biocytin injections at the floor of the fourth ventricle. Fluorogold injections resulted in labeled cochlear nucleus multipolar neurons. Biocytin abundantly labeled MOC collaterals which entered cochlear nucleus. Microscopic analysis revealed that MOC collaterals made some putative synaptic contacts with the retrogradely labeled neurons but many more putative contacts were observed on unidentified neural targets. This suggest that both T- and D-stellate neurons receive synaptic innervation from the MOC collaterals on their somata and proximal dendrites. The prevalence of these contacts cannot be stated with certainty because of technical limitations, but the possibility exists that the collaterals may also make contacts with neurons not projecting to inferior colliculus or the contralateral cochlear nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmaed Baashar
- The Auditory Laboratory, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Donald Robertson
- The Auditory Laboratory, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nathanael James Yates
- Preclinical Intensive Care Research Unit, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wilhelmina Henrica Antonia Maria Mulders
- The Auditory Laboratory, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Ear Science Institute Australia, The Ralph and Patricia Sarich Neuroscience Research Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
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12
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Frank MM, Goodrich LV. Talking back: Development of the olivocochlear efferent system. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 7:e324. [PMID: 29944783 PMCID: PMC6185769 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Developing sensory systems must coordinate the growth of neural circuitry spanning from receptors in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to multilayered networks within the central nervous system (CNS). This breadth presents particular challenges, as nascent processes must navigate across the CNS-PNS boundary and coalesce into a tightly intermingled wiring pattern, thereby enabling reliable integration from the PNS to the CNS and back. In the auditory system, feedforward spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) from the periphery collect sound information via tonotopically organized connections in the cochlea and transmit this information to the brainstem for processing via the VIII cranial nerve. In turn, feedback olivocochlear neurons (OCNs) housed in the auditory brainstem send projections into the periphery, also through the VIII nerve. OCNs are motor neuron-like efferent cells that influence auditory processing within the cochlea and protect against noise damage in adult animals. These aligned feedforward and feedback systems develop in parallel, with SGN central axons reaching the developing auditory brainstem around the same time that the OCN axons extend out toward the developing inner ear. Recent findings have begun to unravel the genetic and molecular mechanisms that guide OCN development, from their origins in a generic pool of motor neuron precursors to their specialized roles as modulators of cochlear activity. One recurrent theme is the importance of efferent-afferent interactions, as afferent SGNs guide OCNs to their final locations within the sensory epithelium, and efferent OCNs shape the activity of the developing auditory system. This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
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The Integration of Vocal Communication and Biobehavioral State Regulation in Mammals: A Polyvagal Hypothesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-809600-0.00003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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14
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Sinclair JL, Barnes-Davies M, Kopp-Scheinpflug C, Forsythe ID. Strain-specific differences in the development of neuronal excitability in the mouse ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body. Hear Res 2017; 354:28-37. [PMID: 28843833 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This investigation compared the development of neuronal excitability in the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) between two strains of mice with differing progression rates for age-related hearing loss. In contrast to CBA/Ca (CBA) mice, the C57BL/6J (C57) strain are subject to hearing loss from a younger age and are more prone to damage from sound over-exposure. Higher firing rates in the medial olivocochlear system (MOC) are associated with protection from loud sounds and these cells are located in the VNTB. We postulated that reduced neuronal firing of the MOC in C57 mice could contribute to hearing loss in this strain by reducing efferent protection. Whole cell patch clamp was used to compare the electrical properties of VNTB neurons from the two strains initially in two age groups: before and after hearing onset at ∼ P9 and ∼P16, respectively. Prior to hearing onset VNTB neurons electrophysiological properties were identical in both strains, but started to diverge after hearing onset. One week after hearing onset VNTB neurons of C57 mice had larger amplitude action potentials but in contrast to CBA mice, their waveform failed to accelerate with increasing age, consistent with the faster inactivation of voltage-gated potassium currents in C57 VNTB neurons. The lower frequency action potential firing of C57 VNTB neurons at P16 was maintained to P28, indicating that this change was not a developmental delay. We conclude that C57 VNTB neurons fire at lower frequencies than in the CBA strain, supporting the hypothesis that reduced MOC firing could contribute to the greater hearing loss of the C57 strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Sinclair
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Margaret Barnes-Davies
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK
| | | | - Ian D Forsythe
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Psychology & Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 9HN, UK.
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15
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Sánchez-Benito D, Gómez-Nieto R, Hernández-Noriega S, Murashima AAB, de Oliveira JAC, Garcia-Cairasco N, López DE, Hyppolito MA. Morphofunctional alterations in the olivocochlear efferent system of the genetic audiogenic seizure-prone hamster GASH:Sal. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 71:193-206. [PMID: 27492627 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The genetic audiogenic seizure hamster (GASH:Sal) is a model of a form of reflex epilepsy that is manifested as generalized tonic-clonic seizures induced by external acoustic stimulation. The morphofunctional alterations in the auditory system of the GASH:Sal that may contribute to seizure susceptibility have not been thoroughly determined. In this study, we analyzed the olivocochlear efferent system of the GASH:Sal from the organ of Corti, including outer and inner hair cells, to the olivocochlear neurons, including shell, lateral, and medial olivocochlear (LOC and MOC) neurons that innervate the cochlear receptor. To achieve this, we carried out a multi-technical approach that combined auditory hearing screenings, scanning electron microscopy, morphometric analysis of labeled LOC and MOC neurons after unilateral Fluoro-Gold injections into the cochlea, and 3D reconstruction of the lateral superior olive (LSO). Our results showed that the GASH:Sal exhibited higher auditory brain response (ABR) thresholds than their controls, as well as absence of distortion-product of otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in a wide range of frequencies. The ABR and DPOAE results also showed differences between the left and right ears, indicating asymmetrical hearing alterations in the GASH:Sal. These alterations in the peripheral auditory activity correlated with morphological alterations. At the cochlear level, the scanning electron microscopy analysis showed marked distortions of the stereocilia from basal to apical cochlear turns in the GASH:Sal, which were not observed in the control hamsters. At the brainstem level, MOC, LOC, and shell neurons had reduced soma areas compared with control animals. This LOC neuron shrinkage contributed to reduction in the LSO volume of the GASH:Sal as shown in the 3D reconstruction analysis. Our study demonstrated that the morphofunctional alterations of the olivocochlear efferent system are innate components of the GASH:Sal, which might contribute to their susceptibility to audiogenic seizures. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Genetic and Reflex Epilepsies, Audiogenic Seizures and Strains: From Experimental Models to the Clinic".
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sánchez-Benito
- Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gómez-Nieto
- Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sonia Hernández-Noriega
- Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - José Antonio Cortes de Oliveira
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Neurophysiology and Experimental Neuroethology Laboratory, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dolores E López
- Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Miguel Angelo Hyppolito
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Hearing, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Felix Ii RA, Gourévitch B, Gómez-Álvarez M, Leijon SCM, Saldaña E, Magnusson AK. Octopus Cells in the Posteroventral Cochlear Nucleus Provide the Main Excitatory Input to the Superior Paraolivary Nucleus. Front Neural Circuits 2017; 11:37. [PMID: 28620283 PMCID: PMC5449481 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2017.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory streaming enables perception and interpretation of complex acoustic environments that contain competing sound sources. At early stages of central processing, sounds are segregated into separate streams representing attributes that later merge into acoustic objects. Streaming of temporal cues is critical for perceiving vocal communication, such as human speech, but our understanding of circuits that underlie this process is lacking, particularly at subcortical levels. The superior paraolivary nucleus (SPON), a prominent group of inhibitory neurons in the mammalian brainstem, has been implicated in processing temporal information needed for the segmentation of ongoing complex sounds into discrete events. The SPON requires temporally precise and robust excitatory input(s) to convey information about the steep rise in sound amplitude that marks the onset of voiced sound elements. Unfortunately, the sources of excitation to the SPON and the impact of these inputs on the behavior of SPON neurons have yet to be resolved. Using anatomical tract tracing and immunohistochemistry, we identified octopus cells in the contralateral cochlear nucleus (CN) as the primary source of excitatory input to the SPON. Cluster analysis of miniature excitatory events also indicated that the majority of SPON neurons receive one type of excitatory input. Precise octopus cell-driven onset spiking coupled with transient offset spiking make SPON responses well-suited to signal transitions in sound energy contained in vocalizations. Targets of octopus cell projections, including the SPON, are strongly implicated in the processing of temporal sound features, which suggests a common pathway that conveys information critical for perception of complex natural sounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Felix Ii
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska InstitutetStockholm, Sweden
| | - Boris Gourévitch
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique et Physiologie de l'AuditionParis, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMRS 1120Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie CurieParis, France
| | - Marcelo Gómez-Álvarez
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska InstitutetStockholm, Sweden.,Neuroscience Institute of Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de SalamancaSalamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL)Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sara C M Leijon
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska InstitutetStockholm, Sweden
| | - Enrique Saldaña
- Neuroscience Institute of Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de SalamancaSalamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL)Salamanca, Spain
| | - Anna K Magnusson
- Unit of Audiology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska InstitutetStockholm, Sweden
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17
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Nuclear derivatives and axonal projections originating from rhombomere 4 in the mouse hindbrain. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:3509-3542. [PMID: 28470551 PMCID: PMC5676809 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1416-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The r4-derived territory is located in the pontine region of the brainstem, forming a wedge-shaped slice that broadens from the choroidal roof to the ventral midline. R4-derived neuronal populations migrate radially inside and tangentially outside this rhombomere, forming nuclei of the sensorimotor auditory, vestibular, trigeminal and reticular systems. R4-derived fibre tracts contribute to the lateral lemniscus, the trigeminothalamic tracts, the medial tegmental tract and the medial forebrain bundle, which variously project to the midbrain, thalamus, hypothalamus and telencephalon. Other tracts such as the trigeminocerebellar and vestibulocerebellar tracts reach the cerebellum, while the medial and lateral vestibulospinal tracts, and the reticulospinal and trigeminal oro-spinal tracts extend into the spinal cord. Many r4-derived fibres are crossed; they decussate to the contralateral side traversing the midline through the cerebellar, collicular and intercollicular commissures, as well as the supraoptic decussation. Moreover, some fibres enter into the posterior and anterior commissures and some terminals reach the septum. Overall, this study provides an overview of all r4 neuronal populations and axonal tracts from their embryonic origin to the adult final location and target.
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18
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Di Bonito M, Studer M. Cellular and Molecular Underpinnings of Neuronal Assembly in the Central Auditory System during Mouse Development. Front Neural Circuits 2017; 11:18. [PMID: 28469562 PMCID: PMC5395578 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2017.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, the organization of the auditory system into distinct functional subcircuits depends on the spatially and temporally ordered sequence of neuronal specification, differentiation, migration and connectivity. Regional patterning along the antero-posterior axis and neuronal subtype specification along the dorso-ventral axis intersect to determine proper neuronal fate and assembly of rhombomere-specific auditory subcircuits. By taking advantage of the increasing number of transgenic mouse lines, recent studies have expanded the knowledge of developmental mechanisms involved in the formation and refinement of the auditory system. Here, we summarize several findings dealing with the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the assembly of central auditory subcircuits during mouse development, focusing primarily on the rhombomeric and dorso-ventral origin of auditory nuclei and their associated molecular genetic pathways.
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19
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Stefanescu RA, Shore SE. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors control baseline activity and Hebbian stimulus timing-dependent plasticity in fusiform cells of the dorsal cochlear nucleus. J Neurophysiol 2016; 117:1229-1238. [PMID: 28003407 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00270.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic modulation contributes to adaptive sensory processing by controlling spontaneous and stimulus-evoked neural activity and long-term synaptic plasticity. In the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), in vitro activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) alters the spontaneous activity of DCN neurons and interacts with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and endocannabinoid receptors to modulate the plasticity of parallel fiber synapses onto fusiform cells by converting Hebbian long-term potentiation to anti-Hebbian long-term depression. Because noise exposure and tinnitus are known to increase spontaneous activity in fusiform cells as well as alter stimulus timing-dependent plasticity (StTDP), it is important to understand the contribution of mAChRs to in vivo spontaneous activity and plasticity in fusiform cells. In the present study, we blocked mAChRs actions by infusing atropine, a mAChR antagonist, into the DCN fusiform cell layer in normal hearing guinea pigs. Atropine delivery leads to decreased spontaneous firing rates and increased synchronization of fusiform cell spiking activity. Consistent with StTDP alterations observed in tinnitus animals, atropine infusion induced a dominant pattern of inversion of StTDP mean population learning rule from a Hebbian to an anti-Hebbian profile. Units preserving their initial Hebbian learning rules shifted toward more excitatory changes in StTDP, whereas units with initial suppressive learning rules transitioned toward a Hebbian profile. Together, these results implicate muscarinic cholinergic modulation as a factor in controlling in vivo fusiform cell baseline activity and plasticity, suggesting a central role in the maladaptive plasticity associated with tinnitus pathology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to use a novel method of atropine infusion directly into the fusiform cell layer of the dorsal cochlear nucleus coupled with simultaneous recordings of neural activity to clarify the contribution of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) to in vivo fusiform cell baseline activity and auditory-somatosensory plasticity. We have determined that blocking the mAChRs increases the synchronization of spiking activity across the fusiform cell population and induces a dominant pattern of inversion in their stimulus timing-dependent plasticity. These modifications are consistent with similar changes established in previous tinnitus studies, suggesting that mAChRs might have a critical contribution in mediating the maladaptive alterations associated with tinnitus pathology. Blocking mAChRs also resulted in decreased fusiform cell spontaneous firing rates, which is in contrast with their tinnitus hyperactivity, suggesting that changes in the interactions between the cholinergic and GABAergic systems might also be an underlying factor in tinnitus pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana A Stefanescu
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Susan E Shore
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; .,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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20
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Sajgo S, Ali S, Popescu O, Badea TC. Dynamic expression of transcription factor Brn3b during mouse cranial nerve development. J Comp Neurol 2015; 524:1033-61. [PMID: 26356988 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
During development, transcription factor combinatorial codes define a large variety of morphologically and physiologically distinct neurons. Such a combinatorial code has been proposed for the differentiation of projection neurons of the somatic and visceral components of cranial nerves. It is possible that individual neuronal cell types are not specified by unique transcription factors but rather emerge through the intersection of their expression domains. Brn3a, Brn3b, and Brn3c, in combination with each other and/or transcription factors of other families, can define subgroups of retinal ganglion cells (RGC), spiral and vestibular ganglia, inner ear and vestibular hair cell neurons in the vestibuloacoustic system, and groups of somatosensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia. The present study investigates the expression and potential role of the Brn3b transcription factor in cranial nerves and associated nuclei of the brainstem. We report the dynamic expression of Brn3b in the somatosensory component of cranial nerves II, V, VII, and VIII and visceromotor nuclei of nerves VII, IX, and X as well as other brainstem nuclei during different stages of development into adult stage. We find that genetically identified Brn3b(KO) RGC axons show correct but delayed pathfinding during the early stages of embryonic development. However, loss of Brn3b does not affect the anatomy of the other cranial nerves normally expressing this transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilard Sajgo
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892.,Molecular Biology Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Science, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, 400084, Romania
| | - Seid Ali
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - Octavian Popescu
- Molecular Biology Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Science, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, 400084, Romania.,Institute of Biology, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, 060031, Romania
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21
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Baashar A, Robertson D, Mulders WH. A novel method for selectively labelling olivocochlear collaterals in the rat. Hear Res 2015; 325:35-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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22
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Radtke-Schuller S, Seeler S, Grothe B. Restricted loss of olivocochlear but not vestibular efferent neurons in the senescent gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Front Aging Neurosci 2015; 7:4. [PMID: 25762929 PMCID: PMC4327622 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of hearing and vertigo are symptoms of age-related auditory and vestibular disorders reflecting multifactorial changes in the peripheral and central nervous system whose interplay remains largely unknown. Originating bilaterally in the brain stem, vestibular and auditory efferent cholinergic projections exert feedback control on the peripheral sensory organs, and modulate sensory processing. We studied age-related changes in the auditory and vestibular efferent systems by evaluating number of cholinergic efferent neurons in young adult and aged gerbils, and in cholinergic trigeminal neurons serving as a control for efferents not related to the inner ear. We observed a significant loss of olivocochlear (OC) neurons in aged compared to young adult animals, whereas the overall number of lateral superior olive (LSO) cells was not reduced in aging. Although the loss of lateral and medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons was uniform and equal on both sides of the brain, there were frequency-related differences within the lateral olivocochlear (LOC) neurons, where the decline was larger in the medial limb of the superior olivary nucleus (high frequency representation) than in the lateral limb (middle-to-low frequency representation). In contrast, neither the number of vestibular efferent neurons, nor the population of motor trigeminal neurons were significantly reduced in the aged animals. These observations suggest differential effects of aging on the respective cholinergic efferent brainstem systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Radtke-Schuller
- Division of Neurobiology, Department Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany ; IFB German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Seeler
- Division of Neurobiology, Department Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Benedikt Grothe
- Division of Neurobiology, Department Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany ; IFB German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders Munich, Germany
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Leijon S, Magnusson AK. Physiological characterization of vestibular efferent brainstem neurons using a transgenic mouse model. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98277. [PMID: 24867596 PMCID: PMC4035287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional role of efferent innervation of the vestibular end-organs in the inner ear remains elusive. This study provides the first physiological characterization of the cholinergic vestibular efferent (VE) neurons in the brainstem by utilizing a transgenic mouse model, expressing eGFP under a choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT)-locus spanning promoter in combination with targeted patch clamp recordings. The intrinsic electrical properties of the eGFP-positive VE neurons were compared to the properties of the lateral olivocochlear (LOC) brainstem neurons, which gives rise to efferent innervation of the cochlea. Both VE and the LOC neurons were marked by their negative resting membrane potential <-75 mV and their passive responses in the hyperpolarizing range. In contrast, the response properties of VE and LOC neurons differed significantly in the depolarizing range. When injected with positive currents, VE neurons fired action potentials faithfully to the onset of depolarization followed by sparse firing with long inter-spike intervals. This response gave rise to a low response gain. The LOC neurons, conversely, responded with a characteristic delayed tonic firing upon depolarizing stimuli, giving rise to higher response gain than the VE neurons. Depolarization triggered large TEA insensitive outward currents with fast inactivation kinetics, indicating A-type potassium currents, in both the inner ear-projecting neuronal types. Immunohistochemistry confirmed expression of Kv4.3 and 4.2 ion channel subunits in both the VE and LOC neurons. The difference in spiking responses to depolarization is related to a two-fold impact of these transient outward currents on somatic integration in the LOC neurons compared to in VE neurons. It is speculated that the physiological properties of the VE neurons might be compatible with a wide-spread control over motion and gravity sensation in the inner ear, providing likewise feed-back amplification of abrupt and strong phasic signals from the semi-circular canals and of tonic signals from the gravito-sensitive macular organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Leijon
- Center for Hearing and Communication Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Unit of Audiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna K. Magnusson
- Center for Hearing and Communication Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Unit of Audiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Protection from noise-induced hearing loss by Kv2.2 potassium currents in the central medial olivocochlear system. J Neurosci 2013; 33:9113-21. [PMID: 23699522 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5043-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The central auditory brainstem provides an efferent projection known as the medial olivocochlear (MOC) system, which regulates the cochlear amplifier and mediates protection on exposure to loud sound. It arises from neurons of the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB), so control of neuronal excitability in this pathway has profound effects on hearing. The VNTB and the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body are the only sites of expression for the Kv2.2 voltage-gated potassium channel in the auditory brainstem, consistent with a specialized function of these channels. In the absence of unambiguous antagonists, we used recombinant and transgenic methods to examine how Kv2.2 contributes to MOC efferent function. Viral gene transfer of dominant-negative Kv2.2 in wild-type mice suppressed outward K(+) currents, increasing action potential (AP) half-width and reducing repetitive firing. Similarly, VNTB neurons from Kv2.2 knock-out mice (Kv2.2KO) also showed increased AP duration. Control experiments established that Kv2.2 was not expressed in the cochlea, so any changes in auditory function in the Kv2.2KO mouse must be of central origin. Further, in vivo recordings of auditory brainstem responses revealed that these Kv2.2KO mice were more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss. We conclude that Kv2.2 regulates neuronal excitability in these brainstem nuclei by maintaining short APs and enhancing high-frequency firing. This safeguards efferent MOC firing during high-intensity sounds and is crucial in the mediation of protection after auditory overexposure.
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25
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Christian Brown M, Lee DJ, Benson TE. Ultrastructure of spines and associated terminals on brainstem neurons controlling auditory input. Brain Res 2013; 1516:1-10. [PMID: 23602963 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Spines are unique cellular appendages that isolate synaptic input to neurons and play a role in synaptic plasticity. Using the electron microscope, we studied spines and their associated synaptic terminals on three groups of brainstem neurons: tensor tympani motoneurons, stapedius motoneurons, and medial olivocochlear neurons, all of which exert reflexive control of processes in the auditory periphery. These spines are generally simple in shape; they are infrequent and found on the somata as well as the dendrites. Spines do not differ in volume among the three groups of neurons. In all cases, the spines are associated with a synaptic terminal that engulfs the spine rather than abuts its head. The positions of the synapses are variable, and some are found at a distance from the spine, suggesting that the isolation of synaptic input is of diminished importance for these spines. Each group of neurons receives three common types of synaptic terminals. The type of terminal associated with spines of the motoneurons contains pleomorphic vesicles, whereas the type associated with spines of olivocochlear neurons contains large round vesicles. Thus, spine-associated terminals in the motoneurons appear to be associated with inhibitory processes but in olivocochlear neurons they are associated with excitatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Christian Brown
- Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Di Bonito M, Narita Y, Avallone B, Sequino L, Mancuso M, Andolfi G, Franzè AM, Puelles L, Rijli FM, Studer M. Assembly of the auditory circuitry by a Hox genetic network in the mouse brainstem. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003249. [PMID: 23408898 PMCID: PMC3567144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhombomeres (r) contribute to brainstem auditory nuclei during development. Hox genes are determinants of rhombomere-derived fate and neuronal connectivity. Little is known about the contribution of individual rhombomeres and their associated Hox codes to auditory sensorimotor circuitry. Here, we show that r4 contributes to functionally linked sensory and motor components, including the ventral nucleus of lateral lemniscus, posterior ventral cochlear nuclei (VCN), and motor olivocochlear neurons. Assembly of the r4-derived auditory components is involved in sound perception and depends on regulatory interactions between Hoxb1 and Hoxb2. Indeed, in Hoxb1 and Hoxb2 mutant mice the transmission of low-level auditory stimuli is lost, resulting in hearing impairments. On the other hand, Hoxa2 regulates the Rig1 axon guidance receptor and controls contralateral projections from the anterior VCN to the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body, a circuit involved in sound localization. Thus, individual rhombomeres and their associated Hox codes control the assembly of distinct functionally segregated sub-circuits in the developing auditory brainstem. Sound perception and sound localization are controlled by two distinct circuits in the central nervous system. However, the cellular and molecular determinants underlying their development are poorly understood. Here, we show that a spatially restricted region of the brainstem, the rhombomere 4, and two members of the Hox gene family, Hoxb1 and Hoxb2, are directly implicated in the development of the circuit leading to sound perception and sound amplification. In the absence of Hoxb1 and Hoxb2 function, we found severe morphological defects in the hair cell population implicated in transducing the acoustic signal, leading ultimately to severe hearing impairments in adult mutant mice. In contrast, the expression in the cochlear nucleus of another Hox member, Hoxa2, regulates the guidance receptor Rig1 and contralateral connectivity in the sound localization circuit. Some of the auditory dysfunctions described in our mouse models resemble pathological hearing conditions in humans, in which patients have an elevated hearing threshold sensitivity, as recorded in audiograms. Thus, this study provides mechanistic insight into the genetic and functional regulation of Hox genes during development and assembly of the auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Di Bonito
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
- INSERM UMR 1091, Nice, France
| | - Yuichi Narita
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bice Avallone
- Department of Biological Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Sequino
- Institute of Audiology, University “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marta Mancuso
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Andolfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Franzè
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “A. Buzzati Traverso” C.N.R., Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Luis Puelles
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Filippo M. Rijli
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (FMR); (MS)
| | - Michèle Studer
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy
- Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
- INSERM UMR 1091, Nice, France
- * E-mail: (FMR); (MS)
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Darrow KN, Benson TE, Brown MC. Planar multipolar cells in the cochlear nucleus project to medial olivocochlear neurons in mouse. J Comp Neurol 2012; 520:1365-75. [PMID: 22101968 PMCID: PMC3514887 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Medial olivocochlear (MOC) neurons originate in the superior olivary complex and project to the cochlea, where they act to reduce the effects of noise masking and protect the cochlea from damage. MOC neurons respond to sound via a reflex pathway; however, in this pathway the cochlear nucleus cell type that provides input to MOC neurons is not known. We investigated whether multipolar cells of the ventral cochlear nucleus have projections to MOC neurons by labeling them with injections into the dorsal cochlear nucleus. The projections of one type of labeled multipolar cell, planar neurons, were traced into the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body, where they were observed terminating on MOC neurons (labeled in some cases by a second cochlear injection of FluoroGold). These terminations formed what appear to be excitatory synapses, i.e., containing small, round vesicles and prominent postsynaptic densities. These data suggest that cochlear nucleus planar multipolar neurons drive the MOC neuron's response to sound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith N Darrow
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Worcester State University, Worcester, Massachusetts 01564, USA.
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Maison SF, Usubuchi H, Vetter DE, Elgoyhen AB, Thomas SA, Liberman MC. Contralateral-noise effects on cochlear responses in anesthetized mice are dominated by feedback from an unknown pathway. J Neurophysiol 2012; 108:491-500. [PMID: 22514298 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01050.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppression of ipsilateral distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) by contralateral noise is used in humans and animals to assay the strength of sound-evoked negative feedback from the medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent pathway. However, depending on species and anesthesia, contributions of other feedback systems to the middle or inner ear can cloud the interpretation. Here, contributions of MOC and middle-ear muscle reflexes, as well as autonomic feedback, to contra-noise suppression in anesthetized mice are dissected by selectively eliminating each pathway by surgical transection, pharmacological blockade, or targeted gene deletion. When ipsilateral DPOAEs were evoked by low-level primaries, contra-noise suppression was typically ~1 dB with contra-noise levels around 95 dB SPL, and it always disappeared upon contralateral cochlear destruction. Lack of middle-ear muscle contribution was suggested by persistence of contra-noise suppression after paralysis with curare, tensor tympani cauterization, or section of the facial nerve. Contribution of cochlear sympathetics was ruled out by studying mutant mice lacking adrenergic signaling (dopamine β-hydroxylase knockouts). Surprisingly, contra-noise effects on low-level DPOAEs were also not diminished by eliminating the MOC system pharmacologically (strychnine), surgically, or by deletion of relevant cholinergic receptors (α9/α10). In contrast, when ipsilateral DPOAEs were evoked by high-level primaries, the contra-noise suppression, although comparable in magnitude, was largely eliminated by MOC blockade or section. Possible alternate pathways are discussed for the source of contra-noise-evoked effects at low ipsilateral levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane F Maison
- Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School and Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA 02114-3096, USA.
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Abstract
The middle ear muscle (MEM) reflex is one of two major descending systems to the auditory periphery. There are two middle ear muscles (MEMs): the stapedius and the tensor tympani. In man, the stapedius contracts in response to intense low frequency acoustic stimuli, exerting forces perpendicular to the stapes superstructure, increasing middle ear impedance and attenuating the intensity of sound energy reaching the inner ear (cochlea). The tensor tympani is believed to contract in response to self-generated noise (chewing, swallowing) and non-auditory stimuli. The MEM reflex pathways begin with sound presented to the ear. Transduction of sound occurs in the cochlea, resulting in an action potential that is transmitted along the auditory nerve to the cochlear nucleus in the brainstem (the first relay station for all ascending sound information originating in the ear). Unknown interneurons in the ventral cochlear nucleus project either directly or indirectly to MEM motoneurons located elsewhere in the brainstem. Motoneurons provide efferent innervation to the MEMs. Although the ascending and descending limbs of these reflex pathways have been well characterized, the identity of the reflex interneurons is not known, as are the source of modulatory inputs to these pathways. The aim of this article is to (a) provide an overview of MEM reflex anatomy and physiology, (b) present new data on MEM reflex anatomy and physiology from our laboratory and others, and (c) describe the clinical implications of our research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep Mukerji
- Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alanna Marie Windsor
- Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J. Lee
- Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
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Mukerji S, Brown MC, Lee DJ. A morphologic study of Fluorogold labeled tensor tympani motoneurons in mice. Brain Res 2009; 1278:59-65. [PMID: 19397898 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The tensor tympani is one of two middle ear muscles that regulates the transmission of sound through the middle ear. Contraction of the tensor tympani in response to both auditory and non-auditory stimulation is mediated by the tensor tympani motoneurons (TTMNs). There are interesting differences among species in the acoustic thresholds for contraction of the middle ear muscles, which may be a reflection of underlying anatomical differences such as the number of TTMNs. However anatomical data for mice are lacking, even though the mouse is becoming the most common animal model for auditory and neuroscience research. We investigated the number and morphology of TTMNs in mice using Fluorogold, a retrograde neuronal tracer. After injections of Fluorogold into the tensor tympani muscle, a column of labeled TTMNs was identified ventro-lateral to the ipsilateral trigeminal nucleus. The labeled TTMNs were classified according to their morphological characteristics into three subtypes: "octopus-like", "fusiform" and "stellate", suggesting underlying differences in function. All three subtypes formed sparsely branched and radiating dendrites, some longer than 600 microm. Dendrites were longest and most numerous in the dorso-medial direction. In 18 cases, the mean number of mouse TTMNs was 51; the largest numbers were 70, 74 and 90 (n=3 injections). The mean size of mouse TTMNs was 13.0 microm (minor axis) and 23.5 microm (major axis). Compared with studies of TTMNs in larger species (cats and rats), mouse TTMNs are both fewer in number and smaller in size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeep Mukerji
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eaton-Peabody Laboratory, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Brown MC, Vetter DE. Olivocochlear neuron central anatomy is normal in alpha 9 knockout mice. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2008; 10:64-75. [PMID: 18941837 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-008-0144-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Accepted: 09/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Olivocochlear (OC) neurons were studied in a transgenic mouse with deletion of the alpha 9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit. In this alpha 9 knockout mouse, the peripheral effects of OC stimulation are lacking and the peripheral terminals of OC neurons under outer hair cells have abnormal morphology. To account for this mouse's apparently normal hearing, it has been proposed to have central compensation via collateral branches to the cochlear nucleus. We tested this idea by staining OC neurons for acetylcholinesterase and examining their morphology in knockout mice, wild-type mice of the same background strain, and CBA/CaJ mice. Knockout mice had normal OC systems in terms of numbers of OC neurons, dendritic patterns, and numbers of branches to the cochlear nucleus. The branch terminations were mainly to edge regions and to a lesser extent the core of the cochlear nucleus, and were similar among the strains in terms of the distribution and staining density. These data demonstrate that there are no obvious changes in the central morphology of the OC neurons in alpha 9 knockout mice and make less attractive the idea that there is central compensation for deletion of the peripheral receptor in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Christian Brown
- Department of Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Motts SD, Slusarczyk AS, Sowick CS, Schofield BR. Distribution of cholinergic cells in guinea pig brainstem. Neuroscience 2008; 154:186-95. [PMID: 18222049 PMCID: PMC2475650 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2007] [Revised: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We used an antibody to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) to label cholinergic cells in guinea pig brainstem. ChAT-immunoreactive (IR) cells comprise several prominent groups, including the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus, laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, and parabigeminal nucleus, as well as the cranial nerve somatic motor and parasympathetic nuclei. Additional concentrations are present in the parabrachial nuclei and superior colliculus. Among auditory nuclei, the majority of ChAT-IR cells are in the superior olive, particularly in and around the lateral superior olive, the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body and the superior paraolivary nucleus. A discrete group of ChAT-IR cells is located in the sagulum, and additional cells are scattered in the nucleus of the brachium of the inferior colliculus. A group of ChAT-IR cells lies dorsal to the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. A few ChAT-IR cells are found in the cochlear nucleus and the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. The distribution of cholinergic cells in guinea pigs is largely similar to that of other species; differences occur mainly in cell groups that have few ChAT-IR cells. The results provide a basis for further studies to characterize the connections of these cholinergic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Motts
- Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Neurobiology, P.O. Box 95, 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH 44272, USA
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Malmierca M, Storm-Mathisen J, Cant N, Irvine D. From cochlea to cortex: A tribute to Kirsten Kjelsberg Osen. Neuroscience 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Projections of low spontaneous rate, high threshold auditory nerve fibers to the small cell cap of the cochlear nucleus in cats. Neuroscience 2007; 154:114-26. [PMID: 18155852 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.10.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2007] [Revised: 10/29/2007] [Accepted: 10/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The marginal shell of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus houses small cells that are distinct from the overlying microneurons of the granule cell domain and the underlying projection neurons of the magnocellular core. This thin shell of small cells and associated neuropil receives auditory nerve input from only the low (<18 spikes/s) spontaneous rate (SR), high threshold auditory nerve fibers; high SR, low threshold fibers do not project there. It should be noted, that most of these auditory nerve terminations reside in the neuropil and intermix with dendrites that originate outside the shell. Consequently, electron microscopy is necessary to determine the synaptic targets. For this report, the terminations of intracellularly labeled low SR auditory nerve fibers in the small cell of cats cap were mapped through serial sections using a light microscope. The terminals were then examined with an electron microscope and found to form synapses with the somata and dendrites of small cells. Moreover, the small cell dendrites were identifiable by an abundance of microtubules and the presence of polyribosomes that were free or associated with membranous cisterns. These data contribute to the concept of a high threshold feedback circuit to the inner ear, and reveal translational machinery for local control of activity-dependent synaptic modification.
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