Efferent Inhibition of the Cochlea

• Published in: Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine Vol. 9; no. 5; p. a033530
• Main Authors: Fuchs, Paul Albert, Lauer, Amanda M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 01.05.2019
• Subjects: Animals; Cochlea - pathology; Cochlea - physiology; Efferent Pathways - physiology; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner - cytology; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner - physiology; Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer - cytology; Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer - physiology; Humans; Ion Channels - physiology; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Neurotransmitter Agents - physiology; Synapses - physiology; Synaptic Transmission

Cholinergic efferent neurons originating in the brainstem innervate the acoustico-lateralis organs (inner ear, lateral line) of vertebrates. These release acetylcholine (ACh) to inhibit hair cells through activation of calcium-dependent potassium channels. In the mammalian cochlea, ACh shunts and su...