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Data Acquisition and Analysis In Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry In Mice
Published on: May 10, 2019
Gravity receptor aging in the CBA/CaJ strain: a comparison to auditory aging
Bruce Mock1, Timothy A Jones, Sherri M Jones
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858-4353, USA.
Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology : JARO
|November 6, 2010
Summary
Age significantly impacts the gravity receptor and auditory function in CBA/CaJ mice, with declines observed in vestibular-evoked potentials (VsEPs) and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs). These age-related changes are crucial considerations for research using this common mouse strain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The CBA/CaJ mouse strain is a widely used control in inner ear research due to its lack of known genetic mutations and stable hearing sensitivity.
- This strain serves as a foundational background for developing novel genetic models for auditory and vestibular research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of aging and gender on the function of gravity receptors (vestibular system).
- To compare age- and gender-related functional changes between the auditory and vestibular systems.
- To establish normative data for auditory and vestibular function in CBA/CaJ mice across different ages.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of vestibular-evoked potentials (VsEPs), auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), and distortion product otoacoustic emissions in 131 CBA/CaJ mice.
- Analysis of age- and gender-related changes in hearing thresholds, vestibular sensitivity, and otoacoustic emissions.
- Quantification of the dynamic range and threshold shifts for both auditory and vestibular modalities.
Main Results:
- Vestibular-evoked potential (VsEP) thresholds showed a significant age-related decline (0.39 dB re: 1.0 g/ms per month), with a 49% loss in dynamic range at older ages (18-23 months).
- No significant gender differences were observed in VsEP thresholds.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds increased with age across tested frequencies (8, 16, 32 kHz), indicating a 25-35% decrease in auditory dynamic range in aged mice.
- Both auditory and vestibular functions demonstrated age-dependent deterioration.
Conclusions:
- Age-related declines in gravity receptor sensitivity are evident in CBA/CaJ mice and must be accounted for in vestibular research.
- The study provides critical functional data for the CBA/CaJ strain, highlighting the need for age-matched controls in auditory and vestibular investigations.
- Understanding these age-related changes is essential for accurate interpretation of experimental results using this mouse model.
