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Postolache M, Connelly Graham CJ, Burke K, Lauer AM, Xu-Friedman MA. Effects of Age on Responses of Principal Cells of the Mouse Anteroventral Cochlear Nucleus in Quiet and Noise. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0215-24.2024. [PMID: 39134409 PMCID: PMC11320020 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0215-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Older listeners often report difficulties understanding speech in noisy environments. It is important to identify where in the auditory pathway hearing-in-noise deficits arise to develop appropriate therapies. We tested how encoding of sounds is affected by masking noise at early stages of the auditory pathway by recording responses of principal cells in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) of aging CBA/CaJ and C57BL/6J mice in vivo. Previous work indicated that masking noise shifts the dynamic range of single auditory nerve fibers (ANFs), leading to elevated tone thresholds. We hypothesized that such threshold shifts could contribute to increased hearing-in-noise deficits with age if susceptibility to masking increased in AVCN units. We tested this by recording the responses of AVCN principal neurons to tones in the presence and absence of masking noise. Surprisingly, we found that masker-induced threshold shifts decreased with age in primary-like units and did not change in choppers. In addition, spontaneous activity decreased in primary-like and chopper units of old mice, with no change in dynamic range or tuning precision. In C57 mice, which undergo early-onset hearing loss, units showed similar changes in threshold and spontaneous rate at younger ages, suggesting they were related to hearing loss and not simply aging. These findings suggest that sound information carried by AVCN principal cells remains largely unchanged with age. Therefore, hearing-in-noise deficits may result from other changes during aging, such as distorted across-channel input from the cochlea and changes in sound coding at later stages of the auditory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Postolache
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of NewYork, Buffalo, New York 14260
| | - Catherine J Connelly Graham
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Kali Burke
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Amanda M Lauer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Solomon H. Snyder Dept. of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Matthew A Xu-Friedman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of NewYork, Buffalo, New York 14260
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Xie R, Wang M, Zhang C. Mechanisms of age-related hearing loss at the auditory nerve central synapses and postsynaptic neurons in the cochlear nucleus. Hear Res 2024; 442:108935. [PMID: 38113793 PMCID: PMC10842789 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Sound information is transduced from mechanical vibration to electrical signals in the cochlea, conveyed to and further processed in the brain to form auditory perception. During the process, spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are the key cells that connect the peripheral and central auditory systems by receiving information from hair cells in the cochlea and transmitting it to neurons of the cochlear nucleus (CN). Decades of research in the cochlea greatly improved our understanding of SGN function under normal and pathological conditions, especially about the roles of different subtypes of SGNs and their peripheral synapses. However, it remains less clear how SGN central terminals or auditory nerve (AN) synapses connect to CN neurons, and ultimately how peripheral pathology links to structural alterations and functional deficits in the central auditory nervous system. This review discusses recent progress about the morphological and physiological properties of different subtypes of AN synapses and associated postsynaptic CN neurons, their changes during aging, and the potential mechanisms underlying age-related hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, 420 W 12th Ave, Columbus OH 43210, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, 420W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Meijian Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, 420 W 12th Ave, Columbus OH 43210, USA
| | - Chuangeng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, 420 W 12th Ave, Columbus OH 43210, USA
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Seicol BJ, Guo Z, Garrity K, Xie R. Potential uses of auditory nerve stimulation to modulate immune responses in the inner ear and auditory brainstem. Front Integr Neurosci 2023; 17:1294525. [PMID: 38162822 PMCID: PMC10755874 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2023.1294525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic medicine uses electrical stimulation of the nervous system to improve health outcomes throughout the body primarily by regulating immune responses. This concept, however, has yet to be applied systematically to the auditory system. There is growing interest in how cochlear damage and associated neuroinflammation may contribute to hearing loss. In conjunction with recent findings, we propose here a new perspective, which could be applied alongside advancing technologies, to use auditory nerve (AN) stimulation to modulate immune responses in hearing health disorders and following surgeries for auditory implants. In this article we will: (1) review the mechanisms of inflammation in the auditory system in relation to various forms of hearing loss, (2) explore nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation throughout the body and how similar neural-immune circuits likely exist in the auditory system (3) summarize current methods for stimulating the auditory system, particularly the AN, and (4) propose future directions to use bioelectronic medicine to ameliorate harmful immune responses in the inner ear and auditory brainstem to treat refractory conditions. We will illustrate how current knowledge from bioelectronic medicine can be applied to AN stimulation to resolve inflammation associated with implantation and disease. Further, we suggest the necessary steps to get discoveries in this emerging field from bench to bedside. Our vision is a future for AN stimulation that includes additional protocols as well as advances in devices to target and engage neural-immune circuitry for therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Seicol
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Zixu Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Katy Garrity
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ruili Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Wang M, Zhang C, Lin S, Xie R. Dendritic Degeneration and Altered Synaptic Innervation of a Central Auditory Neuron During Age-related Hearing Loss. Neuroscience 2023; 514:25-37. [PMID: 36738912 PMCID: PMC9992229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cellular morphology and synaptic configuration are key determinants of neuronal function and are often modified under pathological conditions. In the first nucleus of the central auditory system, the cochlear nucleus (CN), principal bushy neurons specialize in processing temporal information of sound critical for hearing. These neurons alter their physiological properties during aging that contribute to age-related hearing loss (ARHL). The structural basis of such changes remains unclear, especially age-related modifications in their dendritic morphology and the innervating auditory nerve (AN) synapses. Using young (2-5 months) and aged (28-33 months) CBA/CaJ mice of either sex, we filled individual bushy neurons with fluorescent dye in acute brain slices to characterize their dendritic morphology, followed by immunostaining against vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1) and calretinin (CR) to identify innervating AN synapses. We found that dendritic morphology of aged bushy neurons had significantly reduced complexity, suggesting age-dependent dendritic degeneration, especially in neurons with predominantly non-CR-expressing synapses on the soma. These dendrites were innervated by AN bouton synapses, which were predominantly non-CR-expressing in young mice but had increased proportion of CR-expressing synapses in old mice. While somatic AN synapses degenerated substantially with age, as quantified by VGluT1-labeled puncta volume, no significant difference was observed in the total volume of dendritic synapses between young and old mice. Consequently, synaptic density on dendrites was significantly higher in old mice. The findings suggest that dendritic degeneration and altered synaptic innervation in bushy neurons during aging may underlie their changed physiological activity and contribute to the development of ARHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijian Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chuangeng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shengyin Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ruili Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Uzay B, Houcek A, Ma ZZ, Konradi C, Monteggia LM, Kavalali ET. Neurotransmitter release progressively desynchronizes in induced human neurons during synapse maturation and aging. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112042. [PMID: 36701235 PMCID: PMC10366341 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid release of neurotransmitters in synchrony with action potentials is considered a key hardwired property of synapses. Here, in glutamatergic synapses formed between induced human neurons, we show that action potential-dependent neurotransmitter release becomes progressively desynchronized as synapses mature and age. In this solely excitatory network, the emergence of NMDAR-mediated transmission elicits endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leading to downregulation of key presynaptic molecules, synaptotagmin-1 and cysteine string protein α, that synchronize neurotransmitter release. The emergence of asynchronous release with neuronal maturity and subsequent aging is maintained by the high-affinity Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-7 and suppressed by the introduction of GABAergic transmission into the network, inhibition of NMDARs, and ER stress. These results suggest that long-term disruption of excitation-inhibition balance affects the synchrony of excitatory neurotransmission in human synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Uzay
- Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Aiden Houcek
- Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Z Zack Ma
- Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Christine Konradi
- Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Lisa M Monteggia
- Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA
| | - Ege T Kavalali
- Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, 7130A MRB III 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37240-7933, USA.
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Zhang C, Wang M, Lin S, Xie R. Calretinin-Expressing Synapses Show Improved Synaptic Efficacy with Reduced Asynchronous Release during High-Rate Activity. J Neurosci 2022; 42:2729-2742. [PMID: 35165172 PMCID: PMC8973423 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1773-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Calretinin (CR) is a major calcium binding protein widely expressed in the CNS. However, its synaptic function remains largely elusive. At the auditory synapse of the endbulb of Held, CR is selectively expressed in different subtypes. Combining electrophysiology with immunohistochemistry, we investigated the synaptic transmission at the endbulb of Held synapses with and without endogenous CR expression in mature CBA/CAJ mice of either sex. Two synapse subtypes showed similar basal synaptic transmission, except a larger quantal size in CR-expressing synapses. During high-rate stimulus trains, CR-expressing synapses showed improved synaptic efficacy with significantly less depression and lower asynchronous release, suggesting more efficient exocytosis than non-CR-expressing synapses. Conversely, CR-expressing synapses had a smaller readily releasable pool size, which was countered by higher release probability and faster synaptic recovery to support sustained release during high-rate activity. EGTA-AM treatment did not change the synaptic transmission of CR-expressing synapses, but reduced synaptic depression and decreased asynchronous release at non-CR-expressing synapses, suggesting that CR helps to minimize calcium accumulation during high-rate activity. Both synapses express parvalbumin, another calcium-binding protein with slower kinetics and higher affinity than CR, but not calbindin. Furthermore, CR-expressing synapses only express the fast isoform of vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGluT1), while most non-CR-expressing synapses express both VGluT1 and the slower VGluT2, which may underlie their lagged synaptic recovery. The findings suggest that, paired with associated synaptic machinery, differential CR expression regulates synaptic efficacy among different subtypes of auditory nerve synapses to accomplish distinctive physiological functions in transmitting auditory information at high rates.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT CR is a major calcium-binding protein in the brain. It remains unclear how endogenous CR impacts synaptic transmission. We investigated the question at the large endbulb of Held synapses with selective CR expression and found that CR-expressing and non-CR-expressing synapses had similar release properties under basal synaptic transmission. During high-rate activity, however, CR-expressing synapses showed improved synaptic efficacy with less depression, lower asynchronous release, and faster recovery. Furthermore, CR-expressing synapses use exclusive VGluT1 to refill synaptic vesicles, while non-CR-expressing synapses use both VGluT1 and the slower isoform of VGluT2. Our findings suggest that CR may play significant roles in promoting synaptic efficacy during high-rate activity, and selective CR expression can differentially impact signal processing among different synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuangeng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Meijian Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Shengyin Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Ruili Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
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7
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Seicol BJ, Lin S, Xie R. Age-Related Hearing Loss Is Accompanied by Chronic Inflammation in the Cochlea and the Cochlear Nucleus. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:846804. [PMID: 35418849 PMCID: PMC8995794 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.846804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a major hearing impairment characterized by pathological changes in both the peripheral and central auditory systems. Low-grade inflammation was observed in the cochlea of deceased human subjects with ARHL and animal models of early onset ARHL, which suggests that inflammation contributes to the development of ARHL. However, it remains elusive how chronic inflammation progresses during normal aging in the cochlea, and especially the accompanying changes of neuroinflammation in the central auditory system. To address this, we investigated chronic inflammation in both the cochlea and the cochlear nucleus (CN) of CBA/CaJ mice, an inbred mouse strain that undergoes normal aging and develops human, like-late-onset ARHL. Using immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, and quantitative image processing, we measured the accumulation and activation of macrophages in the cochlea and microglia in the CN using their shared markers: ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) and CD68—a marker of phagocytic activity. We found progressive increases in the area covered by Iba1-labeled macrophages and enhanced CD68 staining in the osseous spiral lamina of the cochlea that correlated with elevated ABR threshold across the lifespan. During the process, we further identified significant increases in microglial activation and C1q deposition in the CN, indicating increased neuroinflammation and complement activation in the central auditory system. Our study suggests that during normal aging, chronic inflammation occurs in both the peripheral and the central auditory system, which may contribute in coordination to the development of ARHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J. Seicol
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Shengyin Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ruili Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Ruili Xie
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8
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Elliott KL, Fritzsch B, Yamoah EN, Zine A. Age-Related Hearing Loss: Sensory and Neural Etiology and Their Interdependence. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:814528. [PMID: 35250542 PMCID: PMC8891613 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.814528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common, increasing problem for older adults, affecting about 1 billion people by 2050. We aim to correlate the different reductions of hearing from cochlear hair cells (HCs), spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), cochlear nuclei (CN), and superior olivary complex (SOC) with the analysis of various reasons for each one on the sensory deficit profiles. Outer HCs show a progressive loss in a basal-to-apical gradient, and inner HCs show a loss in a apex-to-base progression that results in ARHL at high frequencies after 70 years of age. In early neonates, SGNs innervation of cochlear HCs is maintained. Loss of SGNs results in a considerable decrease (~50% or more) of cochlear nuclei in neonates, though the loss is milder in older mice and humans. The dorsal cochlear nuclei (fusiform neurons) project directly to the inferior colliculi while most anterior cochlear nuclei reach the SOC. Reducing the number of neurons in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) affects the interactions with the lateral superior olive to fine-tune ipsi- and contralateral projections that may remain normal in mice, possibly humans. The inferior colliculi receive direct cochlear fibers and second-order fibers from the superior olivary complex. Loss of the second-order fibers leads to hearing loss in mice and humans. Although ARHL may arise from many complex causes, HC degeneration remains the more significant problem of hearing restoration that would replace the cochlear implant. The review presents recent findings of older humans and mice with hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bernd Fritzsch
| | - Ebenezer N. Yamoah
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Azel Zine
- LBN, Laboratory of Bioengineering and Nanoscience, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Baldassano JF, MacLeod KM. Kv1 channels regulate variations in spike patterning and temporal reliability in the avian cochlear nucleus angularis. J Neurophysiol 2022; 127:116-129. [PMID: 34817286 PMCID: PMC8742726 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00460.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse physiological phenotypes in a neuronal population can broaden the range of computational capabilities within a brain region. The avian cochlear nucleus angularis (NA) contains a heterogeneous population of neurons whose variation in intrinsic properties results in electrophysiological phenotypes with a range of sensitivities to temporally modulated input. The low-threshold potassium conductance (GKLT) is a key feature of neurons involved in fine temporal structure coding for sound localization, but a role for these channels in intensity or spectrotemporal coding has not been established. To determine whether GKLT affects the phenotypical variation and temporal properties of NA neurons, we applied dendrotoxin-I (DTX), a potent antagonist of Kv1-type potassium channels, to chick brain stem slices in vitro during whole cell patch-clamp recordings. We found a cell-type specific subset of NA neurons that was sensitive to DTX: single-spiking NA neurons were most profoundly affected, as well as a subset of tonic-firing neurons. Both tonic I (phasic onset bursting) and tonic II (delayed firing) neurons showed DTX sensitivity in their firing rate and phenotypical firing pattern. Tonic III neurons were unaffected. Spike time reliability and fluctuation sensitivity measured in DTX-sensitive NA neurons was also reduced with DTX. Finally, DTX reduced spike threshold adaptation in these neurons, suggesting that GKLT contributes to the temporal properties that allow coding of rapid changes in the inputs to NA neurons. These results suggest that variation in Kv1 channel expression may be a key factor in functional diversity in the avian cochlear nucleus.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The dendrotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated potassium conductance typically associated with neuronal coincidence detection in the timing pathway for sound localization is demonstrated to affect spiking patterns and temporal input sensitivity in the intensity pathway in the avian auditory brain stem. The Kv1-family channels appear to be present in a subset of cochlear nucleus angularis neurons, regulate spike threshold dynamics underlying high-pass membrane filtering, and contribute to intrinsic firing diversity.
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Lu Y. Biased synaptopathy as a central mechanism of age-related hearing loss. J Physiol 2021; 599:1723-1724. [PMID: 33517580 DOI: 10.1113/jp281348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Lu
- Hearing Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
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Wang M, Zhang C, Lin S, Wang Y, Seicol BJ, Ariss RW, Xie R. Biased auditory nerve central synaptopathy is associated with age-related hearing loss. J Physiol 2021; 599:1833-1854. [PMID: 33450070 DOI: 10.1113/jp281014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Sound information is transmitted by different subtypes of spiral ganglion neurons (SGN) from the ear to the brain. Selective damage of SGN peripheral synapses (cochlear synaptopathy) is widely recognized as one of the primary mechanisms of hearing loss, whereas the mechanisms at the SGN central synapses remain unclear. We report that different subtypes of SGN central synapses converge at different ratios onto individual target cochlear nucleus neurons with distinct physiological properties, and show biased morphological and physiological changes during age-related hearing loss (ARHL). The results reveal a new dimension in cochlear nucleus neural circuitry that systematically reassembles and processes auditory information from different SGN subtypes, which is altered during ageing and probably contributes to the development of ARHL. In addition to known cochlear synaptopathy, the present study shows that SGN central synapses are also pathologically changed during ageing, which collectively helps us better understand the structure and function of SGNs during ARHL. ABSTRACT Sound information is transmitted from the cochlea to the brain by different subtypes of spiral ganglion neurons (SGN), which show varying degrees of vulnerability under pathological conditions. Selective cochlear synaptopathy, the preferential damage of certain subtypes of SGN peripheral synapses, has been recognized as one of the main mechanisms of hearing loss. The organization and function of the auditory nerve (AN) central synapses from different subtypes of SGNs remain unclear, including how different AN synapses reassemble onto individual neurons in the cochlear nucleus, as well as how they differentially change during hearing loss. Combining immunohistochemistry with electrophysiology, we investigated the convergence pattern and subtype-specific synaptopathy of AN synapses at the endbulb of Held, as well as the response properties of their postsynaptic bushy neurons in CBA/CaJ mice of either sex under normal hearing and age-related hearing loss (ARHL). We found that calretinin-expressing (type Ia ) and non-calretinin-expressing (type Ib /Ic ) endbulbs converged along a continuum of different ratios onto individual bushy neurons with varying physiological properties. Endbulbs degenerated during ageing in parallel with ARHL. Furthermore, the degeneration was more severe in non-calretinin-expressing synapses, which correlated with a gradual decrease in bushy neuron subpopulation predominantly innervated by these inputs. These synaptic and cellular changes were profound in middle-aged mice when their hearing thresholds were still relatively normal and prior to severe ARHL. Our findings suggest that biased AN central synaptopathy and the correlated shift in cochlear nucleus neuronal composition play significant roles in weakened auditory input and altered central auditory processing during ARHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijian Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chuangeng Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shengyin Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Benjamin J Seicol
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Robert W Ariss
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ruili Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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12
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Su Z, Xiong H, Liu Y, Pang J, Lin H, Zhang W, Zheng Y. Transcriptomic analysis highlights cochlear inflammation associated with age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6 mice using next generation sequencing. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9737. [PMID: 32879802 PMCID: PMC7443093 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In our aging society, age-related hearing loss (AHL) is the most common sensory disorder in old people. Much progress has been made in understanding the pathological process of AHL over the past few decades. However, the mechanism of cochlear degeneration during aging is still not fully understood. Methods Next generation sequencing technique was used to sequence the whole transcriptome of the cochlea of C57BL/6 mice, a mouse model of AHL. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Cuffdiff software. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were implemented by using the GOseq R package and KOBAS software, respectively. Results A total of 731 genes (379 up- and 352 down-regulated) were revealed to be differentially expressed in the cochlea of aged mice compared to the young. Many genes associated with aging, apoptosis, necroptosis and particularly, inflammation were identified as being significantly modulated in the aged cochlea. GO and KEGG analyses of the upregulated DEGs revealed that the most enriched terms were associated with immune responses and inflammatory pathways, whereas many of the downregulated genes are involved in ion channel function and neuronal signaling. Real-time qPCR showed that H2O2 treatment significantly induced the expression of multiple inflammation and necroptosis-related genes in HEI-OC1 cells. Conclusion Using next generation sequencing, our transcriptomic analysis revealed the differences of gene expression pattern with age in the cochlea of C57BL/6 mice. Our study also revealed multiple immune and inflammatory transcriptomic changes during cochlear aging and provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying cochlear inflammation in AHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwu Su
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Xiong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Pang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanqing Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijian Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Zheng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Hearing and Speech-Language Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Kang S, Hayashi Y, Bruyns-Haylett M, Delivopoulos E, Zheng Y. Model-Predicted Balance Between Neural Excitation and Inhibition Was Maintained Despite of Age-Related Decline in Sensory Evoked Local Field Potential in Rat Barrel Cortex. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:24. [PMID: 32528256 PMCID: PMC7247833 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The balance between neural excitation and inhibition has been shown to be crucial for normal brain function. However, it is unclear whether this balance is maintained through healthy aging. This study investigated the effect of aging on the temporal dynamics of the somatosensory evoked local field potential (LFP) in rats and tested the hypothesis that excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic activities remain balanced during the aging process. The LFP signal was obtained from the barrel cortex of three different age groups of anesthetized rats (pre-adolescence: 4–6 weeks, young adult: 2–3 months, middle-aged adult: 10–20 months) under whisker pad stimulation. To confirm our previous finding that the initial segment of the evoked LFP was solely associated with excitatory post-synaptic activity, we micro-injected gabazine into the barrel cortex to block inhibition while LFP was collected continuously under the same stimulus condition. As expected, the initial slope of the evoked LFP in the granular layer was unaffected by gabazine injection. We subsequently estimated the excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic activities through a balanced model of the LFP with delayed inhibition as an explicit constraint, and calculated the amplitude ratio of inhibition to excitation. We found an age-dependent slowing of the temporal dynamics in the somatosensory-evoked post-synaptic activity, as well as a significant age-related decrease in the amplitude of the excitatory component and a decreasing trend in the amplitude of the inhibitory component. Furthermore, the delay of inhibition with respect to excitation was significantly increased with age, but the amplitude ratio was maintained. Our findings suggest that aging reduces the amplitude of neural responses, but the balance between sensory evoked excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic activities is maintained to support normal brain function during healthy aging. Further whole cell patch clamp experiments will be needed to confirm or refute these findings by measuring sensory evoked synaptic excitatory and inhibitory activities in vivo during the normal aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungmin Kang
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN), University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Yurie Hayashi
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Bruyns-Haylett
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College, South Kensington Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelos Delivopoulos
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN), University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Ying Zheng
- Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom.,Centre for Integrative Neuroscience and Neurodynamics (CINN), University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
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14
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D-Galactose-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the cochlear basilar membrane: an in vitro aging model. Biogerontology 2020; 21:311-323. [PMID: 32026209 PMCID: PMC7196095 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-020-09859-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cochlear basilar membrane (CBM) contains inner hair cells and outer hair cells that convert sound waves into electrical signals and transmit them to the central auditory system. Cochlear aging, the primary reason of age-related hearing loss, can reduce the signal transmission capacity. There is no ideal in vitro aging model of the CBM. In this study, we cultured the CBM, which was dissected from the cochlea of the C57BL/6 mice 5 days after birth, in a medium containing 20 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL, or 60 mg/mL D-galactose (D-gal). Compared with the control group, the levels of senescence-associated β-galactosidase were increased in a concentration-dependent manner in the CBM of the D-gal groups. In addition, levels of the mitochondrial superoxide and patterns of an age-related mitochondrial DNA3860-bp deletion were significantly increased. The ATP levels and the membrane potential of the mitochondrial were significantly decreased in the CBM of the D-gal groups compared with the control group. Furthermore, in comparison with the control group, damaged hair cell stereocilia and a loss of inner hair cell ribbon synapses were observed in the CBM of the D-gal groups. A loss of hair cells and activation of caspase-3-mediated outer hair cell apoptosis were also observed in the CBM of the high-dose D-gal group. These insults induced by D-gal in the CBM in vitro were similar to the ones that occur in cochlear natural aging in vivo. Thus, we believe that this is a successful in vitro aging model using cultured CBM. These results demonstrate the effects of mitochondrial oxidative damage on presbycusis and provide a reliable aging model to study the mechanisms of presbycusis in vitro.
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15
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Heeringa AN, Zhang L, Ashida G, Beutelmann R, Steenken F, Köppl C. Temporal Coding of Single Auditory Nerve Fibers Is Not Degraded in Aging Gerbils. J Neurosci 2020. [PMID: 31719164 DOI: 10.1101/2020.02.10.942011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
People suffering from age-related hearing loss typically present with deficits in temporal processing tasks. Temporal processing deficits have also been shown in single-unit studies at the level of the auditory brainstem, midbrain, and cortex of aged animals. In this study, we explored whether temporal coding is already affected at the level of the input to the central auditory system. Single-unit auditory nerve fiber recordings were obtained from 41 Mongolian gerbils of either sex, divided between young, middle-aged, and old gerbils. Temporal coding quality was evaluated as vector strength in response to tones at best frequency, and by constructing shuffled and cross-stimulus autocorrelograms, and reverse correlations, from responses to 1 s noise bursts at 10-30 dB sensation level (dB above threshold). At comparable sensation levels, all measures showed that temporal coding was not altered in auditory nerve fibers of aging gerbils. Furthermore, both temporal fine structure and envelope coding remained unaffected. However, spontaneous rates were decreased in aging gerbils. Importantly, despite elevated pure tone thresholds, the frequency tuning of auditory nerve fibers was not affected. These results suggest that age-related temporal coding deficits arise more centrally, possibly due to a loss of auditory nerve fibers (or their peripheral synapses) but not due to qualitative changes in the responses of remaining auditory nerve fibers. The reduced spontaneous rate and elevated thresholds, but normal frequency tuning, of aged auditory nerve fibers can be explained by the well known reduction of endocochlear potential due to strial dysfunction in aged gerbils.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT As our society ages, age-related hearing deficits become ever more prevalent. Apart from decreased hearing sensitivity, elderly people often suffer from a reduced ability to communicate in daily settings, which is thought to be caused by known age-related deficits in auditory temporal processing. The current study demonstrated, using several different stimuli and analysis techniques, that these putative temporal processing deficits are not apparent in responses of single-unit auditory nerve fibers of quiet-aged gerbils. This suggests that age-related temporal processing deficits may develop more central to the auditory nerve, possibly due to a reduced population of active auditory nerve fibers, which will be of importance for the development of treatments for age-related hearing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarins N Heeringa
- Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Lichun Zhang
- Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Go Ashida
- Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Beutelmann
- Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Friederike Steenken
- Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Christine Köppl
- Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
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16
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Kuenzel T. Modulatory influences on time-coding neurons in the ventral cochlear nucleus. Hear Res 2019; 384:107824. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2019.107824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Temporal Coding of Single Auditory Nerve Fibers Is Not Degraded in Aging Gerbils. J Neurosci 2019; 40:343-354. [PMID: 31719164 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2784-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
People suffering from age-related hearing loss typically present with deficits in temporal processing tasks. Temporal processing deficits have also been shown in single-unit studies at the level of the auditory brainstem, midbrain, and cortex of aged animals. In this study, we explored whether temporal coding is already affected at the level of the input to the central auditory system. Single-unit auditory nerve fiber recordings were obtained from 41 Mongolian gerbils of either sex, divided between young, middle-aged, and old gerbils. Temporal coding quality was evaluated as vector strength in response to tones at best frequency, and by constructing shuffled and cross-stimulus autocorrelograms, and reverse correlations, from responses to 1 s noise bursts at 10-30 dB sensation level (dB above threshold). At comparable sensation levels, all measures showed that temporal coding was not altered in auditory nerve fibers of aging gerbils. Furthermore, both temporal fine structure and envelope coding remained unaffected. However, spontaneous rates were decreased in aging gerbils. Importantly, despite elevated pure tone thresholds, the frequency tuning of auditory nerve fibers was not affected. These results suggest that age-related temporal coding deficits arise more centrally, possibly due to a loss of auditory nerve fibers (or their peripheral synapses) but not due to qualitative changes in the responses of remaining auditory nerve fibers. The reduced spontaneous rate and elevated thresholds, but normal frequency tuning, of aged auditory nerve fibers can be explained by the well known reduction of endocochlear potential due to strial dysfunction in aged gerbils.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT As our society ages, age-related hearing deficits become ever more prevalent. Apart from decreased hearing sensitivity, elderly people often suffer from a reduced ability to communicate in daily settings, which is thought to be caused by known age-related deficits in auditory temporal processing. The current study demonstrated, using several different stimuli and analysis techniques, that these putative temporal processing deficits are not apparent in responses of single-unit auditory nerve fibers of quiet-aged gerbils. This suggests that age-related temporal processing deficits may develop more central to the auditory nerve, possibly due to a reduced population of active auditory nerve fibers, which will be of importance for the development of treatments for age-related hearing disorders.
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18
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D-Stellate Neurons of the Ventral Cochlear Nucleus Decrease in Auditory Nerve-Evoked Activity during Age-Related Hearing Loss. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9110302. [PMID: 31683609 PMCID: PMC6896102 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9110302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is associated with weakened inhibition in the central auditory nervous system including the cochlear nucleus. One of the main inhibitory neurons of the cochlear nucleus is the D-stellate neuron, which provides extensive glycinergic inhibition within the local neural network. It remains unclear how physiological activities of D-stellate neurons change during ARHL and what are the underlying mechanisms. Using in vitro whole-cell patch clamp technique, we studied the intrinsic membrane properties of D-stellate neurons, the changes of their firing properties, and the underlying mechanisms in CBA/CaJ mice at the ages of 3–4 months (young), 17–19 months (middle age), and 27–33 months (aged). We found that the intrinsic membrane properties of D-stellate neurons were unchanged among these three age groups. However, these neurons showed decreased firing rate with age in response to sustained auditory nerve stimulation. Further investigation showed that auditory nerve-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were significantly reduced in strength with age. These findings suggest that D-stellate neurons receive weakened synaptic inputs from the auditory nerve and decreased sound driven activity with age, which are expected to reduce the overall inhibition and enhance the central gain in the cochlear nucleus during ARHL.
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19
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Principal Neurons in the Anteroventral Cochlear Nucleus Express Cell-Type Specific Glycine Receptor α Subunits. Neuroscience 2019; 415:77-88. [PMID: 31325562 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Signal processing in the principal neurons of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) is modulated by glycinergic inhibition. The kinetics of IPSCs are specific to the target neurons. It remains unclear what glycine receptor subunits are involved in generating such target-specific IPSC kinetics in AVCN principal neurons. We investigated the expression patterns of glycine receptor α (GlyRα) subunits in AVCN using immunohistochemical labeling of four isoforms of GlyRα subunits (GlyRα1-α4), and found that AVCN neurons express GlyRα1 and GlyRα4, but not GlyRα2 and GlyRα3 subunits. To further identify the cell type-specific expression patterns of GlyRα subunits, we combined whole-cell patch clamp recording with immunohistochemistry by recording from all three types of AVCN principal neurons, characterizing the synaptic properties of their glycinergic inhibition, dye-filling the neurons, and processing the slice for immunostaining of different GlyRα subunits. We found that AVCN bushy neurons express both GlyRα1 and GlyRα4 subunits that underlie their slow IPSC kinetics, whereas both T-stellate and D-stellate neurons express only GlyRα1 subunit that underlies their fast IPSC kinetics. In conclusion, AVCN principal neurons express cell-type specific GlyRα subunits that underlie their distinct IPSC kinetics, which enables glycinergic inhibition from the same source to exert target cell-specific modulation of activity to support the unique physiological function of these neurons.
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20
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Burghard AL, Morel NP, Oliver DL. Mice heterozygous for the Cdh23/Ahl1 mutation show age-related deficits in auditory temporal processing. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 81:47-57. [PMID: 31247458 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A mutation in the Cdh23 gene is implicated in both syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss in humans and age-related hearing loss in C57BL/6 mice. It is generally assumed that human patients (as well as mouse models) only have a hearing loss phenotype if the mutation is homozygous. However, a major complaint for patients with a hearing disability is a reduced speech intelligibility that may be related to temporal processing deficits rather than just elevated thresholds. In this study, we used the amplitude modulation following response (AMFR) to test whether mice heterozygous for Cdh23735A > G have an auditory phenotype that includes temporal processing deficits. The hearing of mice heterozygous for the Cdh23735A > G mutation was compared with age-matched mice homozygous for either the mutation or the wild type in 3 cohorts of mice of both sexes at 2-3, 6, and 12 months of age. The AMFR technique was used to generate objective hearing thresholds for all mice across their range of hearing and to test their temporal processing. We found a genotype-dependent hearing loss in mice homozygous for the mutation starting at 5-11 weeks of age, an age when mice on the C57BL/6 background are often presumed to have normal hearing. The heterozygous animals retained normal hearing thresholds up to one year of age. Nevertheless, the heterozygous animals showed a decline in temporal processing abilities at one year of age that was independent of their hearing thresholds. These results suggest that mice heterozygous for the Cdh23 mutation do not have truly normal hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice L Burghard
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Nazli P Morel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Douglas L Oliver
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
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21
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Parthasarathy A, Bartlett EL, Kujawa SG. Age-related Changes in Neural Coding of Envelope Cues: Peripheral Declines and Central Compensation. Neuroscience 2019; 407:21-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Muniak MA, Ayeni FE, Ryugo DK. Hidden hearing loss and endbulbs of Held: Evidence for central pathology before detection of ABR threshold increases. Hear Res 2018; 364:104-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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23
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Singh M, Miura P, Renden R. Age-related defects in short-term plasticity are reversed by acetyl-L-carnitine at the mouse calyx of Held. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 67:108-119. [PMID: 29656010 PMCID: PMC5955853 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hearing acuity and sound localization are affected by aging and may contribute to cognitive dementias. Although loss of sensorineural conduction is well documented to occur with age, little is known regarding short-term synaptic plasticity in central auditory nuclei. Age-related changes in synaptic transmission properties were evaluated at the mouse calyx of Held, a sign-inverting relay synapse in the circuit for sound localization, in juvenile adults (1 month old) and late middle-aged (18-21 months old) mice. Synaptic timing and short-term plasticity were severely disrupted in older mice. Surprisingly, acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR), an anti-inflammatory agent that facilitates mitochondrial function, fully reversed synaptic transmission delays and defects in short-term plasticity in aged mice to reflect transmission similar to that seen in juvenile adults. These findings support ALCAR supplementation as an adjuvant to improve short-term plasticity and potentially central nervous system performance in animals compromised by age and/or neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra Singh
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Pedro Miura
- Department of Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Robert Renden
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
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24
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Manis PB, Campagnola L. A biophysical modelling platform of the cochlear nucleus and other auditory circuits: From channels to networks. Hear Res 2017; 360:76-91. [PMID: 29331233 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Models of the auditory brainstem have been an invaluable tool for testing hypotheses about auditory information processing and for highlighting the most important gaps in the experimental literature. Due to the complexity of the auditory brainstem, and indeed most brain circuits, the dynamic behavior of the system may be difficult to predict without a detailed, biologically realistic computational model. Despite the sensitivity of models to their exact construction and parameters, most prior models of the cochlear nucleus have incorporated only a small subset of the known biological properties. This confounds the interpretation of modelling results and also limits the potential future uses of these models, which require a large effort to develop. To address these issues, we have developed a general purpose, biophysically detailed model of the cochlear nucleus for use both in testing hypotheses about cochlear nucleus function and also as an input to models of downstream auditory nuclei. The model implements conductance-based Hodgkin-Huxley representations of cells using a Python-based interface to the NEURON simulator. Our model incorporates most of the quantitatively characterized intrinsic cell properties, synaptic properties, and connectivity available in the literature, and also aims to reproduce the known response properties of the canonical cochlear nucleus cell types. Although we currently lack the empirical data to completely constrain this model, our intent is for the model to continue to incorporate new experimental results as they become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Manis
- Dept. of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, B027 Marsico Hall, 125 Mason Farm Road, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7070, USA.
| | - Luke Campagnola
- Dept. of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, B027 Marsico Hall, 125 Mason Farm Road, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7070, USA
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25
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Xie R, Manis PB. Radiate and Planar Multipolar Neurons of the Mouse Anteroventral Cochlear Nucleus: Intrinsic Excitability and Characterization of their Auditory Nerve Input. Front Neural Circuits 2017; 11:77. [PMID: 29093666 PMCID: PMC5651243 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2017.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiate and planar neurons are the two major types of multipolar neurons in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN). Both cell types receive monosynaptic excitatory synaptic inputs from the auditory nerve, but have different responses to sound and project to different target regions and cells. Although the intrinsic physiology and synaptic inputs to planar neurons have been previously characterized, the radiate neurons are less common and have not been as well studied. We studied both types of multipolar neurons and characterized their properties including intrinsic excitability, synaptic dynamics of their auditory nerve inputs, as well as their neural firing properties to auditory nerve stimulation. Radiate neurons had a faster member time constant and higher threshold current to fire spikes than planar neurons, but the maximal firing rate is the same for both cell types upon large current injections. Compared to planar neurons, radiate neurons showed spontaneous postsynaptic currents with smaller size, and slower but variable kinetics. Auditory nerve stimulation progressively recruited synaptic inputs that were smaller and slower in radiate neurons, over a broader range of stimulus strength. Synaptic inputs to radiate neurons showed less depression than planar neurons during low rates of repetitive activity, but the synaptic depression at higher rates was similar between two cell types. However, due to the slow kinetics of the synaptic inputs, synaptic transmission in radiate neurons showed prominent temporal summation that contributed to greater synaptic depolarization and a higher firing rate for repetitive auditory nerve stimulation at high rates. Taken together, these results show that radiate multipolar neurons integrate a large number of weak synaptic inputs over a broad dynamic range, and have intrinsic and synaptic properties that are distinct from planar multipolar neurons. These properties enable radiate neurons to generate powerful inhibitory inputs to target neurons during high levels of afferent activity. Such robust inhibition is expected to dynamically modulate the excitability of many cell types in the cochlear nuclear complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Xie
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Paul B Manis
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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26
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Yang YM, Wang LY. Ageing brains attend a symphony with asynchronous transmitter release. J Physiol 2017; 595:613-614. [PMID: 28145009 DOI: 10.1113/jp273421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Mei Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School Duluth Campus, 1035 University Drive, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA
| | - Lu-Yang Wang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, SickKids Research Institute and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada
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27
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Xie R. Transmission of auditory sensory information decreases in rate and temporal precision at the endbulb of Held synapse during age-related hearing loss. J Neurophysiol 2016; 116:2695-2705. [PMID: 27683884 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00472.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is largely attributed to structural changes and functional declines in the peripheral auditory system, which include synaptopathy at the inner hair cell/spiral ganglion cell (SGC) connection and the loss of SGCs. However, functional changes at the central terminals of SGCs, namely the auditory nerve synapses in the cochlear nucleus, are not yet fully understood during ARHL. With the use of young (1-3 mo) and old (25-30 mo) CBA/CaJ mice, this study evaluated the intrinsic properties of the bushy neurons postsynaptic to the endbulb of Held synapses, and the firing properties of these neurons to direct current injections as well as to synaptic inputs from the auditory nerve. Results showed that bushy neurons in old mice are more excitable and are able to fire spikes at similar rate and timing to direct current injections as those in young mice. In response to synaptic inputs, however, bushy neurons from old mice fired spikes with significantly decreased rate and reduced temporal precision to stimulus trains at 100 and 400 Hz, with the drop in firing probability more profound at 400 Hz. It suggests that transmission of auditory information at the endbulb is declined in both rate and timing during aging, which signifies the loss of sensory inputs to the central auditory system under ARHL. The study proposes that, in addition to damages at the peripheral terminals of SGCs as well as the loss of SGCs, functional decline at the central terminals of surviving SGCs is also an essential component of ARHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Xie
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
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