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Related Experiment Videos

The tensor tympani muscle reflex in the mouse.

K C Horner

    Hearing Research
    |January 1, 1986
    PubMed
    Summary

    Electromyography (EMG) of the tensor tympani muscle in mice reveals a sensitive auditory function monitor. This reflex activity is absent in hearing-impaired mice, indicating its potential for diagnosing auditory pathologies.

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    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Auditory Neuroscience
    • Physiology

    Background:

    • The tensor tympani muscle plays a role in auditory processing.
    • Understanding its reflex activity can offer insights into auditory system function and dysfunction.
    • Mouse models are crucial for studying auditory mechanisms and pathologies.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate click-evoked electromyographic (EMG) responses in the contralateral tensor tympani muscle of anesthetized mice.
    • To assess the utility of tensor tympani muscle EMG as a sensitive indicator of auditory function.
    • To examine tensor tympani muscle activity in mouse models of profound hearing impairment.

    Main Methods:

    • Electromyographic (EMG) recordings were performed on the contralateral tensor tympani muscle of anesthetized mice.
    • Auditory stimuli (clicks) were used to evoke responses, and parameters like threshold, latency, and amplitude were measured.
    • EMG activity was also assessed in mutant mice with cochlear (deafness) or brainstem (quivering) dysfunction.

    Main Results:

    • A mean EMG response threshold of approximately 50 dB SPL (peak equivalent) and a mean latency of around 4 ms were observed.
    • Response amplitude increased with stimulus intensity, reaching ~150 microV at 70 dB above threshold, with a mean latency of ~3.5 ms.
    • No evoked EMG activity was detected in hearing-impaired mutant mice with either cochlear or brainstem dysfunction.

    Conclusions:

    • Tensor tympani muscle EMG activity in mice serves as a sensitive monitor of auditory function.
    • The absence of evoked EMG in hearing-impaired mutants highlights the reflex's dependence on a functional auditory pathway.
    • Further studies in mouse mutants can elucidate the vulnerability of this reflex to various cochlear and brainstem pathologies.

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