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Data Acquisition and Analysis In Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry In Mice
Published on: May 10, 2019
Age-related auditory pathology in the CBA/J mouse
Su-Hua Sha1, Ariane Kanicki, Gary Dootz
1Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5616, USA. shasha@umich.edu
Hearing Research
|June 25, 2008
Summary
Commercially obtained aged CBA/J mice exhibit complex hearing loss, with early low-frequency shifts and later high-frequency deficits. These changes, alongside spiral ganglion cell degeneration, suggest sensorineural presbycusis but complicate their use as a model.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Aging Research
Background:
- CBA/J mice are commonly used in aging research.
- Understanding age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is crucial for developing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the hearing loss and cochlear changes in commercially obtained aged CBA/J mice.
- To evaluate the suitability of these mice as a model for presbycusis.
Main Methods:
- Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were measured at various frequencies.
- Cochlear hair cell counts and spiral ganglion cell density were assessed.
- Stria vascularis integrity and endocochlear potential were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Early hearing loss at 4 kHz without hair cell loss, progressing with apical hair cell loss.
- Delayed high-frequency hearing deficit (24 kHz) starting at 12 months.
- Variable threshold shifts and basal hair cell loss at higher ages (20-26 months).
- Spiral ganglion cell density reduced by ~25% by 18 months.
- Stria vascularis and endocochlear potential remained stable.
Conclusions:
- The observed hearing loss pattern suggests sensorineural presbycusis.
- Early low-frequency hearing loss in these mice may limit their utility as a standard presbycusis model.
- Cochlear morphology changes correlate with auditory function deficits.
