Differential changes of auditory nerve and brain stem short latency evoked potentials in the laboratory mouse

Subcollicular, volume-conducted auditory evoked potentials were obtained from the C57BL/6 laboratory mouse. Barbiturate-induced, whole body hypothermia was associated with a latency increase; between 37 and 31 degrees C, these values were 0.28, 0.48, 0.88 and 0.88 msec for PI-IV, respectively. The amplitude of the auditory nerve potential elicited by a 100 dB click doubled in amplitude between 16 and 42 days post partum. A progressive latency decrease, from PI to PIV, was observed during this age span. Acoustic stress produced differential changes within peripheral and central amplitude and latency measures, and these parameters were also sensitive to the method used to reduce body movement during the recording session. These changes were consistent with anatomical and physiological data from the auditory brain stem of other mammals.