Efferent neurons control hearing sensitivity and protect hearing from noise through the regulation of gap junctions between cochlear supporting cells
Hong-Bo Zhao, Li-Man Liu, Ning Yu, Yan Zhu, Ling Mei, Jin Chen, Chun Liang
Abstract
The cochlear efferent system provides a negative feedback to control hair cell activity and hearing sensitivity and plays a critical role in noise protection. We reveal a new efferent control pathway in which medial olivocochlear efferent fibers have innervations with cochlear supporting cells to control their gap junctions, therefore regulating outer hair cell electromotility and hearing sensitivity. This supporting cell gap junction-mediated efferent control pathway is required for the protection of hearing from noise.
Topics & Concepts
EfferentCochleaNeuroscienceHair cellAcetylcholineEfferent nerveInner earAudiologyBiologyChemistryMedicineAfferentEndocrinologyHearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, GeneticsHearing Loss and RehabilitationConnexins and lens biology