Calcium-Induced calcium release during action potential firing in developing inner hair cells.

ABSTRACT: In the mature auditory system, inner hair cells (IHCs) convert sound-induced vibrations into electrical signals that are relayed to the central nervous system via auditory afferents. Before the cochlea can respond to normal sound levels, developing IHCs fire calcium-based action potentials that disappear close to the onset of hearing. Action potential firing triggers transmitter release from the immature IHC that in turn generates experience-independent firing in auditory neurons. These early signaling events are thought to be essential for the organization and development of the auditory system and hair cells. A critical component of the action potential is the rise in intracellular calcium that activates both small conductance potassium channels essential during membrane repolarization,

SUBMITTER: Iosub R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4375529 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature