Hair cells of the mammalian cochlea: extraordinary nanomachines

In mammals, the sense of hearing relies on the normal function of two types of specialized cells: inner hair cells (IHC) and outer hair cells (OHC). They both possess the capacity to detect and convert mechanical movements within the cochlea, associated with sounds, into electrical potentials. A set...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Goutman, Juan D., Elgoyhen, A. Belén
Formato: Articulo
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: 2013
Materias:
Acceso en línea:http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar/handle/10915/131290
https://pmr.safisiol.org.ar/uploadsarchivos/pmr_vol6-6_goutman_and_elgoyhen__1__corregido.pdf
Aporte de:
id I19-R120-10915-131290
record_format dspace
institution Universidad Nacional de La Plata
institution_str I-19
repository_str R-120
collection SEDICI (UNLP)
language Inglés
topic Ciencias Médicas
Hair cells
Corti organ
glutamatergic synapsis
acetylcholine
nicotinic receptor
spellingShingle Ciencias Médicas
Hair cells
Corti organ
glutamatergic synapsis
acetylcholine
nicotinic receptor
Goutman, Juan D.
Elgoyhen, A. Belén
Hair cells of the mammalian cochlea: extraordinary nanomachines
topic_facet Ciencias Médicas
Hair cells
Corti organ
glutamatergic synapsis
acetylcholine
nicotinic receptor
description In mammals, the sense of hearing relies on the normal function of two types of specialized cells: inner hair cells (IHC) and outer hair cells (OHC). They both possess the capacity to detect and convert mechanical movements within the cochlea, associated with sounds, into electrical potentials. A set of stereocilias in their apical end is where the mechano-electrical transduction actually occurs. IHC and OHC have very different functions within the complex process of hearing. IHC are responsible for transmitting the electrical information to the brain, for which they possess a specialized glutamatergic synapse with very unique properties. Neurotransmitter is released without pause and with high temporal precision, taking advantage of a synaptic organelle called the ribbon. OHC are exquisite piezoelectric devices, as changes in their membrane potential produce measurable changes in length. This capacity of OHC provides refined frequency selectivity and extra sensitivity to low intensity sounds. Interestingly, OHC function is regulated by an inhibitory innervation that descends from the brainstem and is mediated by acetylcholine. A very special type of nicotinic receptor, α9α10, participates in this synapse. Recent advances have shed light on the importance of this efferent control on acoustic trauma and higher hearing capabilities.
format Articulo
Articulo
author Goutman, Juan D.
Elgoyhen, A. Belén
author_facet Goutman, Juan D.
Elgoyhen, A. Belén
author_sort Goutman, Juan D.
title Hair cells of the mammalian cochlea: extraordinary nanomachines
title_short Hair cells of the mammalian cochlea: extraordinary nanomachines
title_full Hair cells of the mammalian cochlea: extraordinary nanomachines
title_fullStr Hair cells of the mammalian cochlea: extraordinary nanomachines
title_full_unstemmed Hair cells of the mammalian cochlea: extraordinary nanomachines
title_sort hair cells of the mammalian cochlea: extraordinary nanomachines
publishDate 2013
url http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar/handle/10915/131290
https://pmr.safisiol.org.ar/uploadsarchivos/pmr_vol6-6_goutman_and_elgoyhen__1__corregido.pdf
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