Determining the identity of the cochlear amplifier: Electrical stimulation of the tecta mouse cochlea

Marcia M. Mellado Lagarde, Markus Drexl, Victoria A. Lukashkina, Andrei N. Lukashkin, Ian J. Russell

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding with ISSN or ISBNConference contribution with ISSN or ISBNpeer-review

    Abstract

    The sensitivity, large dynamic range and narrow frequency tuning of the mammalian cochlea is determined by the passive mechanical properties of the basilar membrane (BM) and active feedback from the outer hair cells (OHCs). Two mechanisms have been proposed to provide amplification: Hair bundle motility, and OHC somatic-motility. Acoustically- and electrically-elicited mechanical responses were measured from the BMs of the cochleae of wild type and genetically modified mice where the hair bundles are freestanding and cannot react against the tectorial membrane (TM) to contribute to amplification. We found the electrically elicited responses in mutant mice, where only somatic motility can provide amplification, to be remarkably similar to acoustical and electrical responses in the wild type animals. We, therefore, conclude that somatic, not stereocilia motility is the basis of the cochlear amplifier.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationConcepts and Challenges in the Biophysics of Hearing - Proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on the Mechanics of Hearing, MoH 2008
    EditorsDavid T. Kemp, Nigel P. Cooper
    PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd
    Pages106-112
    Number of pages7
    ISBN (Electronic)9789812833778
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008
    Event10th International Workshop on the Mechanics of Hearing - Concepts and Challenges in the Biophysics of Hearing, MoH 2008 - Newcastle, United Kingdom
    Duration: 27 Jul 200831 Jul 2008

    Publication series

    NameConcepts and Challenges in the Biophysics of Hearing - Proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on the Mechanics of Hearing, MoH 2008

    Conference

    Conference10th International Workshop on the Mechanics of Hearing - Concepts and Challenges in the Biophysics of Hearing, MoH 2008
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    CityNewcastle
    Period27/07/0831/07/08

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