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Age-related changes in auditory potentials of Mongolian gerbil
J H Mills1, R A Schmiedt, L F Kulish
1Department of Otolaryngology and Communicative Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425.
Hearing Research
|July 1, 1990
Summary
The Mongolian gerbil shows age-related hearing loss (presbyacusis) similar to humans. Auditory thresholds increase significantly by 36 months, indicating its potential as an animal model for hearing research.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Animal Models
Background:
- Age-related hearing loss (presbyacusis) is a significant health concern.
- Animal models are crucial for understanding and mitigating hearing loss.
- The Mongolian gerbil is being investigated for its suitability as a model for presbyacusis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Mongolian gerbil as an animal model of age-related hearing loss.
- To characterize auditory thresholds in gerbils across different age groups.
- To compare gerbil hearing loss patterns with human presbyacusis data.
Main Methods:
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured using transdermal electrodes in anesthetized gerbils.
- Tone pips (1-16 kHz) at varying sound pressure levels (10-80 dB SPL) were used to determine auditory thresholds.
- Gerbils were studied longitudinally (8-36 months) and cross-sectionally (6-8 months, 36 months).
Main Results:
- Younger gerbils (6-8 months) had thresholds around 20-30 dB SPL.
- By 22-24 months, thresholds increased by ~10 dB.
- By 36 months, thresholds increased by 19-35 dB, with patterns resembling human presbyacusis.
- Significant individual variability in hearing loss was observed.
Conclusions:
- The Mongolian gerbil exhibits age-related hearing loss patterns comparable to humans.
- This species demonstrates potential as a valuable animal model for studying presbyacusis.
- Further research can utilize this model to investigate mechanisms and treatments for hearing loss.