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Immunolabeling and Counting Ribbon Synapses in Young Adult and Aged Gerbil Cochleae

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D-Stellate Neurons of the Ventral Cochlear Nucleus Decrease in Auditory Nerve-Evoked Activity during Age-Related

Yong Wang¹, Meijian Wang², Ruili Xie^3,4

¹Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. yong.wang@osumc.edu.

|November 6, 2019

Summary

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) weakens D-stellate neuron activity in the cochlear nucleus. This age-related decline in synaptic input reduces neural inhibition, potentially increasing central gain during hearing impairment.

Keywords:

D-stellate EPSC age-related hearing loss auditory nerve firing rate intrinsic property synaptic transmission

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Cochlear Surface Preparation in the Adult Mouse

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Published on: November 6, 2019

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Auditory Neuroscience
Gerontology

Background:

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is linked to reduced central auditory system inhibition.
D-stellate neurons in the cochlear nucleus are key inhibitory cells using glycine.
Mechanisms of D-stellate neuron dysfunction in ARHL are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

Investigate age-related changes in D-stellate neuron physiology.
Determine the underlying mechanisms of these changes in ARHL.
Assess the impact on cochlear nucleus inhibition and central gain.

Main Methods:

In vitro whole-cell patch clamp recordings in mice.
Comparison of D-stellate neurons across young, middle-aged, and aged groups.
Analysis of intrinsic membrane properties and firing responses to auditory nerve stimulation.

Main Results:

Intrinsic membrane properties of D-stellate neurons remained stable with age.
D-stellate neurons exhibited decreased firing rates in aged mice.
Auditory nerve-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) were significantly reduced in aged mice.

Conclusions:

D-stellate neurons show diminished synaptic input from the auditory nerve with age.
Reduced sound-driven activity in these neurons contributes to ARHL.
Weakened inhibition and enhanced central gain in the cochlear nucleus are consequences of aging.