Single-cell responses in normal and ototoxic drug-treated gerbils

Single cell data were obtained from the inferior colliculus of normal gerbils and from those treated with ethacrynic acid. Response changes found for the drug-treated animals are as follows: Fewer cells responded to auditory stimulation. Recruitment-like functions were found which were characterized by high threshold and precipitous increase in discharge rate with intensity. Some units showed abnormally low discharge rate over an extended intensity range, which could be the underlying change in responsiveness in human patients with reduced loudness range. One half as many collicular units were responsive to auditory phase differences. The most severly affected ears showed abnormal dependency upon phase relations. This would affect auditory space perception.