Dataset Information

Slicing the Embryonic Chicken Auditory Brainstem to Evaluate Tonotopic Gradients and Microcircuits.

ABSTRACT: The chicken embryo is a widely accepted animal model to study the auditory brainstem, composed of highly specialized microcircuitry and neuronal topology differentially oriented along a tonotopic (i.e., frequency) axis. The tonotopic axis permits the segregated encoding of high-frequency sounds in the rostral-medial plane and low-frequency encoding in caudo-lateral regions. Traditionally, coronal brainstem slices of embryonic tissue permit the study of relative individual iso-frequency lamina. Although sufficient to investigate anatomical and physiological questions pertaining to individual iso-frequency regions, the study of tonotopic variation and its development across larger auditory brainstem areas is somewhat limited. This protocol reports brainstem slicing techniques from chicken embryos that encompass larger gradients of frequency regions in the lower auditory brainstem. The utilization of different slicing methods for chicken auditory brainstem tissue permits electrophysiological and anatomical experiments within one brainstem slice, where larger gradients of tonotopic properties and developmental trajectories are better preserved than coronal sections. Multiple slicing techniques allow for improved investigation of the diverse anatomical, biophysical, and tonotopic properties of auditory brainstem microcircuits.

SUBMITTER: Mohan S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10145025 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Slicing the Embryonic Chicken Auditory Brainstem to Evaluate Tonotopic Gradients and Microcircuits.

Mohan Sandesh S Roy Abhijit A Ordiway George G Sanchez Jason Tait JT

Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE 20220712 185

The chicken embryo is a widely accepted animal model to study the auditory brainstem, composed of highly specialized microcircuitry and neuronal topology differentially oriented along a tonotopic (i.e., frequency) axis. The tonotopic axis permits the segregated encoding of high-frequency sounds in the rostral-medial plane and low-frequency encoding in caudo-lateral regions. Traditionally, coronal brainstem slices of embryonic tissue permit the study of relative individual iso-frequency lamina. A ...[more]

PMID: 35913132

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Project description:The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is an invaluable assay in clinical audiology, non-human animals, and human research. Despite the widespread use of ABRs in measuring auditory neural synchrony and estimating hearing sensitivity in other vertebrate model systems, methods for recording ABRs in the chicken have not been reported in nearly four decades. Chickens provide a robust animal research model because their auditory system is near functional maturation during late embryonic and early hatchling stages. We have demonstrated methods used to elicit one or two-channel ABR recordings using subdermal needle electrode arrays in chicken hatchlings. Regardless of electrode recording configuration (i.e., montage), ABR recordings included 3-4 positive-going peak waveforms within the first 6 ms of a suprathreshold click stimulus. Peak-to-trough waveform amplitudes ranged from 2-11 µV at high-intensity levels, with positive peaks exhibiting expected latency-intensity functions (i.e., increase in latency as a function of decreased intensity). Standardized earphone position was critical for optimal recordings as loose skin can occlude the ear canal, and animal movement can dislodge the stimulus transducer. Peak amplitudes were smaller, and latencies were longer as animal body temperature lowered, supporting the need for maintaining physiological body temperature. For young hatchlings (<3 h post-hatch day 1), thresholds were elevated by ~5 dB, peak latencies increased ~1-2 ms, and peak to trough amplitudes were decreased ~1 µV compared to older hatchlings. This suggests a potential conductive-related issue (i.e., fluid in the middle ear cavity) and should be considered for young hatchlings. Overall, the ABR methods outlined here permit accurate and reproducible recording of in-vivo auditory function in chicken hatchlings that could be applied to different stages of development. Such findings are easily compared to human and mammalian models of hearing loss, aging, or other auditory-related manipulations.

Dataset Information

Slicing the Embryonic Chicken Auditory Brainstem to Evaluate Tonotopic Gradients and Microcircuits.

Publications

Slicing the Embryonic Chicken Auditory Brainstem to Evaluate Tonotopic Gradients and Microcircuits.

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