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Auditory function in the C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeSnJ mouse strains
D R Trune1, J B Kempton, C Mitchell
1Oregon Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098, USA.
Hearing Research
|July 1, 1996
Summary
C3H mice exhibit normal hearing sensitivity up to 14 months of age. Significant hearing loss occurs by 30 months in C3H/HeSnJ mice, indicating age-related cochlear degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Auditory Science
Background:
- The C3H inbred mouse strain, established in 1920, has multiple substrains like C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeSnJ.
- Limited data exists on the auditory function of C3H mice, hindering their use in hearing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the auditory function of two representative C3H mouse substrains.
- To assess age-related changes in hearing sensitivity in C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeSnJ mice.
Main Methods:
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing was performed on C3H/HeJ and C3H/HeSnJ mice aged 2 to 30 months.
- Tone bursts at frequencies from 4 to 32 kHz were used to evaluate hearing thresholds.
- Age-related threshold shifts were analyzed as an indicator of peripheral auditory function.
Main Results:
- Both C3H substrains maintained normal hearing sensitivity until 14 months of age.
- Slightly elevated hearing thresholds were observed in both strains at 18 months across most tested frequencies.
- By 30 months, C3H/HeSnJ mice showed substantial hearing impairment due to sensorineural degeneration.
Conclusions:
- C3H mouse substrains demonstrate preserved cochlear function beyond one year of age.
- These findings provide crucial auditory function data for C3H mice in hearing research.
- Age-related hearing decline is evident in C3H mice, particularly by 30 months in the C3H/HeSnJ substrain.