[A quantitative study on the cells of cochlear nucleus in rats at different ages]

The volume of cochlear nucleus and nucleolus, neural populations were determined in rats of three groups aged (1, 2-3, 22-28 months). The study data indicated that there is no difference between the volume of cochlear nucleus in the aged and adult animals (P > 0.05). Compared with the other two groups, the aged animals show a reduction of volume of necleolus of cochlear nucleus neurons (P < 0.01), a loss of neurons (spherical cell and multipolar cell) (P < 0.01). On the other hand, it shows an increase in number for the glial cells in the aged animals (48.48%, P < 0.01). Quantitative results of the cell of cochlear nucleus were analysed. We suggest that central changes also play an important role in presbycusis.