Phenotypic changes of auditory nerve fibers after excitotoxicity.

ABSTRACT: There is a substantial body of evidence elucidating the pathophysiological aspects of excitotoxicity in the mammalian cochlea. However, the question of whether the resultant damage is reversible remains unresolved. To replicate an excitotoxic event, we investigated the long-term effects of kainate application in gerbil cochleae. Surprisingly, despite persistent synapse loss, the compound action potential of the auditory nerve fully recovered. This functional retrieval was associated with a phenotypic change in auditory nerve fibers. Thresholds were improved along the tonotopic axis. High-spontaneous rate (SR) fibers largely populated the apical region, while low-SR fibers from the basal region exhibited sound-driven activity indistinguishable from control high-SR fibers. This functional ph

SUBMITTER: Diuba A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12002199 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature