Astrocyte cytoarchitecture in cochlear nuclei of the rat: an immunocytochemical study

Astrocytes play important roles in the development, maintenance and function of neural circuits. We have studied the astrocytic cytoarchitecture of the adult rat cochlear nuclei using a monoclonal antibody against glial fibrillary acidic protein, a well-known intermediate filament of the cytoskeleton of the glial cells. The cochlear nuclear complex is the first central step in the ascending auditory pathway. The morphology and distribution of astrocytes, as well as the relationship of astroglial processes with neurons, have been found to be different in the three main subdivisions of the cochlear nuclei and could be related to their function.