Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2025

An Isolated Semi-intact Preparation of the Mouse Vestibular Sensory Epithelium for Electrophysiology and High-resolution Two-photon Microscopy
Published on: June 13, 2013
A novel membrane contact site in vestibular hair cells
Nicolas Brouilly1, Nathalie Pujol2, Fabrice Richard1
1IBDM, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, Aix Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.
Abstract:
The mammalian vestibular system has two types of sensory receptor hair cells (HCs), each with different neurotransmission mechanisms. Type II HCs use ribbon synapses to transmit neurotransmitters like glutamate to afferent neurons. On the other hand, type I HCs are nearly engulfed by a calyceal afferent ending and also form ribbon synapses. These HCs regulate afferent activity through non-quantal transmission (NQT), which is faster than classic neurotransmitter release and may play a key role in stabilizing vision and balance during rapid head movements. Here, we describe a novel striated contact, present between the mouse type I HC and its calyceal afferent ending, and intimately associated with atypical plasma membrane-apposed (PMA) mitochondria. This distinctive arrangement has the potential to serve or modulate NQT.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Vestibular System
Hair Cells
Equilibrium and Balance
The Cochlea
Anatomy of the Ear
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...

