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Auditory brainstem responses in ground squirrels arousing from hibernation
N J Hamill1, M D McGinn, J M Horowitz
1Department of Animal Physiology, University of California, Davis 95616.
Summary
Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in hibernating ground squirrels showed gradual peak development during arousal. All auditory pathway neural generators activated early, regardless of previous peak development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Hibernation Research
Background:
- Hibernation involves profound physiological changes, including suppressed neural activity.
- Understanding neural recovery during arousal from hibernation is crucial for studying brain function under extreme conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the development of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) during arousal from hibernation in ground squirrels.
- To determine the timing of neural generator activation in the auditory pathway during arousal.
Main Methods:
- Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and brain temperature were recorded in ground squirrels (Citellus lateralis) during arousal from hibernation.
- Animals were housed in a cold room (9°C) and monitored using implanted recording screws and thermistors.
Main Results:
- ABRs exhibited gradual development of all brainstem peaks during arousal.
- Peak latencies were significantly prolonged at low brain temperatures.
- Peak amplitudes increased with rising brain temperature, showing fluctuations.
Conclusions:
- Neural generators in the auditory brainstem pathway are activated early in the arousal process.
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that successive ABR peaks develop sequentially after prior peaks are fully formed.