Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Modified Experimental Conditions for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Mice and Assessment of Hearing Function and Outer Hair Cell Damage
Published on: February 10, 2023
Consequences of unilateral hearing loss: time dependent regulation of protein synthesis in auditory brainstem nuclei
K A Hutson1, D Durham, D L Tucci
1Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3805, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Abstract:
Conductive hearing impairment results in marked changes in neuronal activity in the central auditory system, particularly in young animals [Tucci, D.L., Cant, N.B., Durham, D., 1999. Conductive hearing loss results in a decrease in central auditory system activity in the young gerbil. Laryngoscope 109, 1359-1371]. To better understand the effects of conductive hearing loss (CHL) on cellular metabolism, incorporation of (3)H-leucine was used as a measure of protein synthesis in immature postnatal day 21 gerbils subjected to either unilateral CHL by malleus removal or profound sensorineural hearing loss by cochlear ablation. (3)H-leucine uptake was measured after survival times of 6 or 48h. Protein synthesis values were standardized to measurements from the abducens nucleus and compared with measurements from sham animals at similar age/survival times. Protein synthesis in the medial superior olive (MSO) was found to be significantly down-regulated (bilaterally) after CHL in animals surviving 48h. However, 6h after CHL manipulation, protein synthesis is up-regulated in MSO (bilaterally) and in the ipsilateral medial nucleus of the trapezoid body.
Related Concept Videos
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
The Cochlea
Unrenewable Cells
Photoreceptors
The retina is composed of several layers and contains specialized cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors (rods and cones) change their membrane potential when stimulated by light energy. There are two types of photoreceptors—rods and cones—which differ in the shape of their outer...
Hair Cells
Hearing
Anatomy of the Ear

