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On the mechanoelectrical coupling in the cochlear outer hair cell
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. aspector@bme.jhu.edu
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|March 30, 2000
Summary
Outer hair cell electromotility, crucial for the active cochlea, involves mechanoelectrical coupling. This study quantifies potential shifts and charge transfer due to mechanical stress, revealing significant voltage changes during cell inflation and aspiration.
Area of Science:
- Bioengineering
- Biophysics
- Auditory Neuroscience
Background:
- Outer hair cells (OHCs) are key to cochlear amplification.
- Electromotility links OHC mechanical and electrical properties.
- Understanding mechanoelectrical coupling is vital for auditory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate two modes of mechanoelectrical coupling in OHCs.
- To quantify potential shifts and charge transfer under mechanical loading.
- To relate these phenomena to OHC function in the active cochlea.
Main Methods:
- Derivation of potential shift using prior elastic moduli and active force data.
- Analysis of charge transfer under voltage-clamp conditions.
- Estimation of potential shifts for cell inflation, axial stretch, and micropipet aspiration.
Main Results:
- Potential shifts were derived in terms of wall strains and active force derivatives.
- Significant potential shifts (-20 to -40 mV) observed during cell inflation and micropipet aspiration.
- Smaller shifts occurred during axial stretch; current analysis showed good agreement with experimental data.
Conclusions:
- Mechanoelectrical coupling in OHCs significantly influences cellular potential.
- Quantified potential shifts provide insights into OHC electromotility.
- Findings contribute to understanding the active cochlea's mechanical basis.