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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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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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Katsumi S, Sahin MI, Lewis RM, Iyer JS, Landegger LD, Stankovic KM. Intracochlear Perfusion of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Induces Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Synaptic Degeneration in Guinea Pigs. Front Neurol 2020; 10:1353. [PMID: 32116980 PMCID: PMC7025643 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a prominent role in the nervous system, mediating a range of physiologic and pathologic functions. In the auditory system, elevated levels of TNF-α have been implicated in several types of sensorineural hearing loss, including sensorineural hearing loss induced by vestibular schwannoma, a potentially fatal intracranial tumor that originates from the eighth cranial nerve; however, the mechanisms underlying the tumor's deleterious effects on hearing are not well-understood. Here, we investigated the effect of acute elevations of TNF-α in the inner ear on cochlear function and morphology by perfusing the cochlea with TNF-α in vivo in guinea pigs. TNF-α perfusion did not significantly change thresholds for compound action potential (CAP) responses, which reflect cochlear nerve activity, or distortion product otoacoustic emissions, which reflect outer hair cell integrity. However, intracochlear TNF-α perfusion reduced CAP amplitudes and increased the number of inner hair cell synapses without paired post-synaptic terminals, suggesting a pattern of synaptic degeneration that resembles that observed in primary cochlear neuropathy. Additionally, etanercept, a TNF-α blocker, protected against TNF-α-induced synaptopathy when administered systemically prior to intracochlear TNF-α perfusion. Findings motivate further investigation into the harmful effects of chronically elevated intracochlear levels of TNF-α, and the potential for etanercept to counter these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiyo Katsumi
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mehmet I Sahin
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rebecca M Lewis
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Janani S Iyer
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lukas D Landegger
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Konstantina M Stankovic
- Eaton Peabody Laboratories, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Robertson D, Mulders WHAM. Cholinergic responses of acoustically-characterized cochlear nucleus neurons: An in vivo iontophoretic study in Guinea pig. Hear Res 2018; 367:97-105. [PMID: 30081246 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The responses of guinea pig cochlear nucleus neurons to in vivo iontophoretic application of various neurotransmitter agonists were recorded with extracellular multi-barrelled electrodes. Where possible, neurons were physiologically identified using strict criteria. Emphasis was placed on the action of cholinergic agonists in relation to the possible action of olivocochlear collateral innervation. Excitatory responses (increase in action potential firing) to glutamate were confirmed in a number of neuronal response types. Application of acetylcholine (ACh) or the broad spectrum cholinergic agonist carbachol produced reliable excitatory responses in about 47% of neurons (n = 29 out of 61 neurons). The remaining neurons were unresponsive to cholinergic agonists and no inhibitory responses were observed. Cholinergic responses were more common in dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) (73% of 30 neurons tested) than in ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) (23% of 31 neurons). Of the total neuron sample in which cholinergic responses were investigated, 41 neurons were able to be categorized according to established acoustic response features. Excitatory responses to cholinergic agonists were seen in "Pauser-buildup" (Pb) and "Transient chopper" (Ct) response types. Primary-like neurons (PL and Pn) as well as "Onset chopper" (Oc) neurons (n = 6) were unresponsive to either ACh or carbachol. Oc neurons also did not show any effect on their acoustic responses. Robust cholinergic responses were also seen in several VCN and DCN neurons that were either unresponsive to sound, or had acoustic response properties that did not fit standard classification. The results suggest a relatively more robust cholinergic innervation of DCN compared to VCN. The excitatory cholinergic responses of some Ct neurons and the lack of effect on Oc neurons are consistent with previous results in mouse brain slice studies, but are in conflict with reports of medial olivocochlear collateral excitatory responses in onset-type neurons in vivo. The results also indicate that a number of neurons of unknown identity may also receive cholinergic input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Robertson
- The Auditory Laboratory, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia.
| | - Wilhelmina H A M Mulders
- The Auditory Laboratory, School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; Ear Science Institute Australia, 1/1 Salvado Rd, Subiaco, Western Australia, 6008, Australia
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Lopez-Poveda EA. Olivocochlear Efferents in Animals and Humans: From Anatomy to Clinical Relevance. Front Neurol 2018; 9:197. [PMID: 29632514 PMCID: PMC5879449 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Olivocochlear efferents allow the central auditory system to adjust the functioning of the inner ear during active and passive listening. While many aspects of efferent anatomy, physiology and function are well established, others remain controversial. This article reviews the current knowledge on olivocochlear efferents, with emphasis on human medial efferents. The review covers (1) the anatomy and physiology of olivocochlear efferents in animals; (2) the methods used for investigating this auditory feedback system in humans, their limitations and best practices; (3) the characteristics of medial-olivocochlear efferents in humans, with a critical analysis of some discrepancies across human studies and between animal and human studies; (4) the possible roles of olivocochlear efferents in hearing, discussing the evidence in favor and against their role in facilitating the detection of signals in noise and in protecting the auditory system from excessive acoustic stimulation; and (5) the emerging association between abnormal olivocochlear efferent function and several health conditions. Finally, we summarize some open issues and introduce promising approaches for investigating the roles of efferents in human hearing using cochlear implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique A Lopez-Poveda
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Gauvin DV, Yoder J, Zimmermann ZJ, Tapp R. Ototoxicity: The Radical Drum Beat and Rhythm of Cochlear Hair Cell Life and Death. Int J Toxicol 2018; 37:195-206. [PMID: 29575954 DOI: 10.1177/1091581818761128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The function and structure of the auditory information processing system establishes a unique sensory environment for the "perfect storm." The battle between life and death pits the cascade of an apoptotic storm, programmed cell death cascades, against simple cell death (necrosis) pathways. Live or die, the free radical biology of oxygen and hydroxylation, and the destruction of transition metal migration through the mechanical gate sensory processes of the hair cell lead to direct access to the cytoplasm, cytoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria of the inner workings of the hair cells. These lead to subsequent interactions with nuclear DNA resulting in permanent hearing loss. The yin and yang of pharmaceutical product development is to document what kills, why it kills, and how do we mitigate it. This review highlights the processes of cell death within the cochlea.
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Affiliation(s)
- David V Gauvin
- 1 Neurobehavioral Sciences Department, MPI Research, Inc., Mattawan, MI, USA
| | - Joshua Yoder
- 1 Neurobehavioral Sciences Department, MPI Research, Inc., Mattawan, MI, USA
| | | | - Rachel Tapp
- 1 Neurobehavioral Sciences Department, MPI Research, Inc., Mattawan, MI, USA
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Almishaal A, Bidelman GM, Jennings SG. Notched-noise precursors improve detection of low-frequency amplitude modulation. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 141:324. [PMID: 28147582 PMCID: PMC5392086 DOI: 10.1121/1.4973912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Amplitude modulation (AM) detection was measured with a short (50 ms), high-frequency carrier as a function of carrier level (Experiment I) and modulation frequency (Experiment II) for conditions with or without a notched-noise precursor. A longer carrier (500 ms) was also included in Experiment I. When the carrier was preceded by silence (no precursor condition) AM detection thresholds worsened for moderate-level carriers compared to lower- or higher-level carriers, resulting in a "mid-level hump." AM detection thresholds with a precursor were better than those without a precursor, primarily for moderate-to-high level carriers, thus eliminating the mid-level hump in AM detection. When the carrier was 500 ms, AM thresholds improved by a constant (across all levels) relative to AM thresholds with a precursor, consistent with the longer carrier providing more "looks" to detect the AM signal. Experiment II revealed that improved AM detection with compared to without a precursor is limited to low-modulation frequencies (<60 Hz). These results are consistent with (1) a reduction in cochlear gain over the course of the precursor perhaps via the medial olivocochlear reflex or (2) a form of perceptual enhancement which may be mediated by adaptation of inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Almishaal
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Utah, 390 South, 1530 East, Behavioral Sciences Building 1201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Gavin M Bidelman
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Institute for Intelligent Systems, University of Memphis, 4055 North Park Loop, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, USA
| | - Skyler G Jennings
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Utah, 390 South, 1530 East, BEHS 1201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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