A block model of the cat cochlear nucleus

Imaging Voltage Globally and in Isofrequency Lamina in Slices of Mouse Ventral Cochlear Nucleus

The cochlear nuclei (CNs) receive sensory information from the ear and perform fundamental computations before relaying this information to higher processing centers. These computations are performed by distinct types of neurons interconnected in circuits dedicated to the specialized roles of the auditory system. In the present study, we explored the use of voltage imaging to investigate CN circuitry. We tested two approaches based on fundamentally different voltage sensing technologies. Using a voltage-sensitive dye we recorded glutamate receptor-independent signals arising predominantly from axons. The mean conduction velocity of these fibers of 0.27 m/s was rapid but in range with other unmyelinated axons. We then used a genetically-encoded hybrid voltage sensor (hVOS) to image voltage from a specific population of neurons. Probe expression was controlled using Cre recombinase linked to c-fos activation. This activity-induced gene enabled targeting of neurons that are activated when a mouse hears a pure 15-kHz tone. In CN slices from these animals auditory nerve fiber stimulation elicited a glutamate receptor-dependent depolarization in hVOS probe-labeled neurons. These cells resided within a band corresponding to an isofrequency lamina, and responded with a high degree of synchrony. In contrast to the axonal origin of voltage-sensitive dye signals, hVOS signals represent predominantly postsynaptic responses. The introduction of voltage imaging to the CN creates the opportunity to investigate auditory processing circuitry in populations of neurons targeted on the basis of their genetic identity and their roles in sensory processing.

Effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the cochlear nucleus in cats deafened as neonates

Many previous studies have shown significant neurotrophic effects of intracochlear delivery of BDNF in preventing degeneration of cochlear spiral ganglion (SG) neurons after deafness in rodents and our laboratory has shown similar results in developing cats deafened prior to hearing onset. This study examined the morphology of the cochlear nucleus (CN) in a group of neonatally deafened cats from a previous study in which infusion of BDNF elicited a significant improvement in survival of the SG neurons. Five cats were deafened by systemic injections of neomycin sulfate (60 mg/kg, SQ, SID) starting one day after birth, and continuing for 16-18 days until auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing demonstrated profound bilateral hearing loss. The animals were implanted unilaterally at about 1 month of age using custom-designed electrodes with a drug-delivery cannula connected to an osmotic pump. BDNF (94 μg/ml; 0.25 μl/hr) was delivered for 10 weeks. The animals were euthanized and studied at 14-23 weeks of age. Consistent with the neurotrophic effects of BDNF on SG survival, the total CN volume in these animals was significantly larger on the BDNF-treated side than on the contralateral side. However, total CN volume, both ipsi- and contralateral to the implants in these deafened juvenile animals, was markedly smaller than the CN in normal adult animals, reflecting the severe effects of deafness on the central auditory system during development. Data from the individual major CN subdivisions (DCN, Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus; PVCN, Posteroventral Cochlear Nucleus; AVCN, Anteroventral Cochlear Nucleus) also were analyzed. A significant difference was observed between the BDNF-treated and control sides only in the AVCN. Measurements of the cross-sectional areas of spherical cells showed that cells were significantly larger in the AVCN ipsilateral to the implant than on the contralateral side. Further, the numerical density of spherical cells was significantly lower in the AVCN ipsilateral to the implant than on the contralateral side, consistent with the larger AVCN volume observed with BDNF treatment. Together, findings indicate significant neurotrophic effects of intracochlear BDNF infusion on the developing CN.

Volumes of cochlear nucleus regions in rodents

The cochlear nucleus receives all the coded information about sound from the cochlea and is the source of auditory information for the rest of the central auditory system. As such, it is a critical auditory nucleus. The sizes of the cochlear nucleus as a whole and its three major subdivisions - anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN), posteroventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN), and dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) - have been measured in a large number of mammals, but measurements of its subregions at a more detailed level for a variety of species have not previously been made. Size measurements are reported here for the summed granular regions, DCN layers, AVCN, PVCN, and interstitial nucleus in 15 different rodent species, as well as a lagomorph, carnivore, and small primate. This further refinement of measurements is important because the granular regions and superficial layers of the DCN appear to have some different functions than the other cochlear nucleus regions. Except for DCN layers in the mountain beaver, all regions were clearly identifiable in all the animals studied. Relative regional size differences among most of the rodents, and even the 3 non-rodents, were not large and did not show a consistent relation to their wide range of lifestyles and hearing parameters. However, the mountain beaver, and to a lesser extent the pocket gopher, two rodents that live in tunnel systems, had relative sizes of summed granular regions and DCN molecular layer distinctly larger than those of the other mammals. Among all the mammals studied, there was a high correlation between the size per body weight of summed granular regions and that of the DCN molecular layer, consistent with other evidence for a close relationship between granule cells and superficial DCN neurons.

3D model of frequency representation in the cochlear nucleus of the CBA/J mouse

The relationship between structure and function is an invaluable context with which to explore biological mechanisms of normal and dysfunctional hearing. The systematic and topographic representation of frequency originates at the cochlea, and is retained throughout much of the central auditory system. The cochlear nucleus (CN), which initiates all ascending auditory pathways, represents an essential link for understanding frequency organization. A model of the CN that maps frequency representation in 3D would facilitate investigations of possible frequency specializations and pathologic changes that disturb frequency organization. Toward this goal, we reconstructed in 3D the trajectories of labeled auditory nerve (AN) fibers following multiunit recordings and dye injections in the anteroventral CN of the CBA/J mouse. We observed that each injection produced a continuous sheet of labeled AN fibers. Individual cases were normalized to a template using 3D alignment procedures that revealed a systematic and tonotopic arrangement of AN fibers in each subdivision with a clear indication of isofrequency laminae. The combined dataset was used to mathematically derive a 3D quantitative map of frequency organization throughout the entire volume of the CN. This model, available online (http://3D.ryugolab.com/), can serve as a tool for quantitatively testing hypotheses concerning frequency and location in the CN.

Single-neuron recordings from unanesthetized mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus

Because of the availability of disease and genetic models, the mouse has become a valuable species for auditory neuroscience that will facilitate long-term goals of understanding neuronal mechanisms underlying the perception and processing of sounds. The goal of this study was to define the basic sound-evoked response properties of single neurons in the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Neurons producing complex spikes were distinguished as cartwheel cells (CWCs), and other neurons were classified according to the response map scheme previously developed in DCN. Similar to observations in other rodent species, neurons of the mouse DCN exhibit relatively little sound-driven inhibition. As a result, type III was the most commonly observed response. Our findings are generally consistent with the model of DCN function that has been developed in the cat and the gerbil, suggesting that this in vivo mouse preparation will be a useful tool for future studies of auditory physiology.

Effects of age at onset of deafness and electrical stimulation on the developing cochlear nucleus in cats

This study examined the effects of deafness and intracochlear electrical stimulation on the anatomy of the cochlear nucleus (CN) after a brief period of normal auditory development early in life. Kittens were deafened by systemic ototoxic drug injections either as neonates or starting at postnatal day 30. Total CN volume, individual CN subdivision volumes, and cross-sectional areas of spherical cell somata in the anteroventral CN (AVCN) were compared in neonatally deafened and 30-day deafened groups at 8 weeks of age and in young adults after approximately 6 months of electrical stimulation initiated at 8 weeks of age. Both neonatal and early acquired hearing loss resulted in a reduction in CN volume as compared to normal hearing cats. Comparison of 8- and 32-week old groups indicated that the CN continued to grow in both deafened groups despite the absence of auditory input. Preserving normal auditory input for 30 days resulted in a significant increase in both total CN volume and cross-sectional areas of spherical cell somata, as compared to neonatally deafened animals. Restoring auditory input in these developing animals by unilateral intracochlear electrical stimulation did not elicit any difference in CN volume between the two sides, but resulted in 7% larger spherical cell size on the stimulated side. Overall, the brief period of normal auditory development and subsequent electrical stimulation maintained CN volume at 80% of normal and spherical cell size at 86% of normal ipsilateral to the implant as compared to 67% and 74%, respectively, in the neonatally deafened group.

An atlas of the inferior colliculus of the gerbil in three dimensions

An atlas of the inferior colliculus of the gerbil is presented in three dimensions. Sections were cut in the transverse (coronal), horizontal or saggital planes and fit to a common cartesian coordinate grid. The sections used for the atlas were reacted for cytochrome oxidase activity, a functional marker that can be used to distinguish different areas in the brainstem. The atlas can be used for representation, comparison and correlation of neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, neurochemical and other data that can be spatially mapped in the inferior colliculus.

Does exogenous GM1 ganglioside enhance the effects of electrical stimulation in ameliorating degeneration after neonatal deafness?

This study examined the combined effects of administration of exogenous GM1 ganglioside and electrical stimulation on the cochlear nucleus (CN) of cats deafened neonatally by ototoxic drugs. Five normal hearing adult cats served as controls. Another 12 cats were deafened bilaterally by daily injections of neomycin sulfate (60 mg/kg) for 17-21 days after birth until auditory brainstem testing demonstrated profound hearing loss. Six of the deaf animals comprised the GM1 group, which received daily injections of GM1 ganglioside (30 mg/kg) for 28-38 days during the period after profound deafness was confirmed, and prior to receiving a cochlear implant. The non-GM1 group (n=6) received no treatment during this interim period. All the deafened animals underwent unilateral cochlear implantation at 6-9 weeks postnatal and received several months (mean duration, 32 weeks) of chronic electrical stimulation (4 h/day, 5 days/week). Stimulation was delivered by intracochlear bipolar electrodes, using electrical signals that were designed to be temporally challenging to the central auditory system. Results showed that in the neonatally deafened animals, both the GM1 and non-GM1 groups, the volume of the CN was markedly reduced (to 76% of normal), but there was no difference between the animals that received GM1 and those that did not. The cross sectional areas of spherical cell somata in both GM1 and non-GM1 groups also showed a highly significant reduction in size, to < or =75% of normal after neonatal deafening. Moreover, in both the GM1 and non-GM1 groups, the spherical cells in the CN ipsilateral to the implanted cochlea were significantly larger (6%) than cells in the control, unstimulated CN. Again, however, there was no significant difference between the GM1 group and the non-GM1 group in spherical cell size. These results contrast sharply with previous reports that exogenous GM1 prevents CN degeneration after neonatal conductive hearing loss and partially prevents spiral ganglion cell degeneration when administered immediately after ototoxic drug deafening in adult animals. Taken together, findings to date suggest that GM1 may be effective in preventing degeneration only if the GM1 is administered immediately at the time hearing loss occurs.

Serotonin projection patterns to the cochlear nucleus

The cochlear nucleus is well known as an obligatory relay center for primary auditory nerve fibers. Perhaps not so well known is the neural input to the cochlear nucleus from cells containing serotonin that reside near the midline in the midbrain raphe region. Although the specific locations of the main, if not sole, sources of serotonin within the dorsal cochlear nucleus subdivision are known to be the dorsal and median raphe nuclei, sources of serotonin located within other cochlear nucleus subdivisions are not currently known. Anterograde tract tracing was used to label fibers originating from the dorsal and median raphe nuclei while fluorescence immunohistochemistry was used to simultaneously label specific serotonin fibers in cat. Biotinylated dextran amine was injected into the dorsal and median raphe nuclei and was visualized with Texas Red, while serotonin was visualized with fluorescein. Thus, double-labeled fibers were unequivocally identified as serotoninergic and originating from one of the labeled neurons within the dorsal and median raphe nuclei. Double-labeled fiber segments, typically of fine caliber with oval varicosities, were observed in many areas of the cochlear nucleus. They were found in the molecular layer of the dorsal cochlear nucleus, in the small cell cap region, and in the granule cell and external regions of the cochlear nuclei, bilaterally, of all cats. However, the density of these double-labeled fiber segments varied considerably depending upon the exact region in which they were found. Fiber segments were most dense in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (especially in the molecular layer) and the large spherical cell area of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus; they were moderately dense in the small cell cap region; and fiber segments were least dense in the octopus and multipolar cell regions of the posteroventral cochlear nucleus. Because of the presence of labeled fiber segments in subdivisions of the cochlear nucleus other than the dorsal cochlear nucleus, we concluded that the serotoninergic projection pattern to the cochlear nucleus is divergent and non-specific. Double-labeled fiber segments were also present, but sparse, in the superior olive, localized mainly in periolivary regions; this indicated that the divergence of dorsal and median raphe neurons that extends throughout regions of the cochlear nucleus also extended well beyond the cochlear nucleus to include at least the superior olivary complex as well.

Functional anatomy of auditory brainstem nuclei: application to the anatomical basis of brainstem auditory evoked potentials

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) are used routinely in clinical practice to evaluate the normality of the lower auditory system. The objective of this review is to describe the functional anatomy of the structures implicated in BAEP generation (cochlear nerve and the auditory brainstem nuclei). Indications and results of BAEP in clinical practice are presented and correlated with auditory structures, which generate each waveform of BAEP.

Sensorineural hearing loss during development: morphological and physiological response of the cochlea and auditory brainstem

We have investigated the effects of sensorineural hearing loss on the cochlea and central auditory system of profoundly deafened cats. Seventeen adult cats were used: four had normal hearing; 12 were deafened neonatally for periods of < 2.5 years (five bilaterally, seven unilaterally); and one animal had a long-term (approximately 8 years) profound bilateral hearing loss. Bipolar scala tympani stimulating electrodes were bilaterally implanted in each animal, and electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs) were recorded in an acute study to evaluate the basic physiologic response properties of the deafened auditory pathway. The cochleae and cochlear nuclei (CN) of each animal were examined with light microscopy. Spiral ganglion cell density in neonatally deafened cochleae was 17% of normal, and only 1.5% of normal in the long-term deaf animal. There was a 46% reduction in total CN volume in neonatally deafened animals compared to normal, and a 60% reduction in the long-term deaf animal. Neural density in the anteroventral CN of bilaterally deafened animals was 37% higher than normal; 44% higher in the long-term deaf animal. Significantly, however, we saw no evidence of a loss of neurones within the anteroventral CN in any deafened animal. There was a significant increase in EABR threshold and wave IV latency in the deafened animals, and a significant decrease in response amplitude and input/output function gradient. Again, these changes were more extensive in the long-term deaf animal. These data show that a sensorineural hearing loss can evoke significant morphological and physiological changes within the cochlea and auditory brainstem, and these changes become greater with duration of deafness. It remains to be seen whether these changes can be reversed following the introduction of afferent activity via chronic electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve.

Quantitative analysis of spiral ganglion projections to the cat cochlear nucleus

A quantitative examination of the tonotopic organization of primary afferent projections to the cochlear nucleus (CN) in adult cats was conducted by using focal extracellular injections of Neurobiotin (NB) into the spiral ganglion of the basal cochlea. One to three injections separated by intervals of at least 2 mm were positioned along the basal one-third of the cochlea. Each injection produced discrete projection laminae that appeared as parallel horizontal sheets of labeled axons terminals distributed sequentially dorsally to ventrally across each major CN subdivision: the anteroventral, posteroventral, and dorsal cochlear nucleus, (AVCN, PVCN, and DCN, respectively). The length (rostrocaudal dimension), width (mediolateral dimension), thickness (dorsoventral dimension), and relative placement of 18 "frequency-band" laminae were measured in 10 adult cochlear nuclei. The average AVCN projection thickness was approximately twice that of the PVCN and DCN projections. In double injection cases, the center-to-center separation between AVCN laminae was also approximately twice that in the PVCN and equal to that in the DCN. Lamina thickness did not differ significantly as a function of frequency representation. However, in both width and length, mid-frequency laminae were up to two times larger than high-frequency laminae. Thus, the results indicate that DCN projections are the most discrete (i.e., are the thinnest and have the least overlap between adjacent frequency projections), whereas the AVCN projections are the largest but are as discrete as PVCN projections. In addition, high-frequency projections are smaller and more discrete than mild-frequency projections, which are larger and have greater overlap with adjacent frequency projections.

Macaque anteroventral cochlear nucleus: developmental anatomy

The development of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) in fetal and infant monkeys (Macaca nemestrina) was analyzed for gross morphologic changes together with growth-related modifications in constituent cell size and cell distribution. Rapid and extensive prenatal volumetric changes were followed by slow and limited postnatal volumetric changes. The time course of packing density and cell size changes paralleled the volumetric changes. At each age the packing density along the rostrocaudal axis of the AVCN was constant except in the youngest specimens (mid- to late-fetal), where local variations occurred. Similarly, the size of AVCN cells along the rostrocaudal axis remained approximately constant at any given age. In comparison with the human and mouse, the macaque exhibits relatively less pronounced postnatal change in overall volume and cellular growth features.

Contribution of centrifugal innervation to choline acetyltransferase activity in the cat cochlear nucleus

Using a quantitative microchemical mapping approach combined with surgical cuts of fiber tracts, the contributions of centrifugal pathways to choline acetyltransferase activity were mapped three-dimensionally in the cat cochlear nucleus. Large reductions of choline acetyltransferase activity, averaging 70%, were measured in almost all parts of the lesion-side nucleus following transection of virtually all its centrifugal connections. More superficial cuts, penetrating just through the olivocochlear bundle, also led to significant reductions of enzyme activity, especially most rostrally in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus and superficial granular region, where the reductions were similar to those following the complete cuts. Lesions encroaching upon the superior olivary complex gave bilateral effects. Transverse cuts between rostral and caudal parts of the cochlear nucleus gave some small effects. The results suggest that, as in rats, most choline acetyltransferase activity in the cat cochlear nucleus is associated with its centrifugal innervation. However, unlike the situation in rats, the enzyme activity in cats is related more to olivocochlear branches than to ventral fibers in the trapezoid body region. Also, the choline acetyltransferase activity related to olivocochlear collateral innervation is much less uniformly distributed within the cochlear nucleus in cats than in rats.

Patterns of glutamate decarboxylase immunostaining in the feline cochlear nuclear complex studied with silver enhancement and electron microscopy

The cochlear nuclear complex of the cat was immunostained with an antiserum to glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the biosynthetic enzyme for the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, and studied with different procedures, including silver intensification, topical colchicine injections, semithin sections, and immunoelectron microscopy. Immunostaining was found in all portions of the nucleus. Relatively few immunostained cell bodies were observed: most of these were in the dorsal cochlear nucleus and included stellate cells, cartwheel cells, Golgi cells, and unidentified cells in the deep layers. An accumulation of immunoreactive cells was also found within the small cell cap and along the medial border of the ventral cochlear nucleus. Immunostained cells were sparse in magnocellular portions of the ventral nucleus. Most staining within the nucleus was of nerve terminals. These included small boutons that were prominent in the neuropil of the dorsal cochlear nucleus, the granule cell domain, in a region beneath the superficial granule cell layer within the small cell cap region, and along the medial border of the ventral nucleus. Octopus cells showed small, GAD-positive terminals distributed at moderate density on both cell bodies and dendrites. Larger, more distinctive terminals were identified on the large cells in the ventral nucleus, in particular on spherical cells and globular cells. There was a striking positive correlation of the size, location, and complexity of GAD-positive terminals with the size, location, and complexity of primary fiber endings on the same cells. This correlation did not hold in the dorsal nucleus, where pyramidal cells receive many large GAD-positive somatic terminals despite the paucity of primary endings on their cell bodies. The GAD-positive terminals contained pleomorphic synaptic vesicles and formed symmetric synaptic junctions that occupied a substantial portion of the appositional surface to cell bodies, dendrites, axon hillocks, and the beginning portion of the initial axon segments. Thus, the cells provided with large terminals can be subjected to considerable inhibition that may be activated indirectly through primary fibers and interneurons or by descending inputs from the auditory brainstem.

Comparison of cat and human brain-stem auditory evoked potentials

Brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) elicited by clicks were recorded from both humans and cats. The responses of the two species were compared as functions of click level, click rate, ear stimulated, and electrode position. Since the BAEPs appear to have both high- and low-frequency components, the responses were filtered to analyze these components separately. The similarities and differences in the behavior of the peaks of the two species support the view that the first three (positive and negative) high-frequency peaks which are comparably numbered have similar generators, but the later comparably numbered peaks do not. The presence of binaural interaction beginning with P4 and PV suggests a correspondence between peaks P4 through P5 in cat with PV through PVI, respectively, in human. The similarity in behavior of these peaks also support this correspondence. Furthermore, when conduction times are estimated from interpeak latencies, this correspondence of peaks agrees more closely with the relative pathway lengths in the two species, than does the correspondence based on comparable numbering.

Behavioral thresholds for electrical stimulation applied to auditory brainstem nuclei in cat are altered by injurious and noninjurious sound

Each of three young-adult female cats with normal hearing received a total of eight permanent electrodes which were implanted bilaterally in cochlear nucleus (CN) and inferior colliculus (IC). Three experiments were performed using behaviorally measured thresholds for electrical stimulation of CN and IC. In Expt. 1, electrical stimulation thresholds (in dB re 1.0 microA) were obtained in the presence of a continuous tone of moderate intensity and in quiet. In comparison with quiet, electrical stimulation thresholds measured during tone were lower by as much as 15 dB (stimulation hypersensitivity). In Expt. 2, a brief exposure to an intense sound produced a temporary threshold shift (TTS) for acoustic stimuli but only produced small changes in electrical stimulation threshold. The acoustic stimuli used in Expts. 1 and 2 were termed noninjurious since no permanent hearing loss was produced. Expt. 3 employed an exposure to a white noise that resulted in a mean permanent threshold shift (PTS) of 34.1 dB for acoustic stimulation. The PTS was accompanied by a mean stimulation hypersensitivity of 9.6 dB. Comparing Expts. 1 and 3, it was shown that the transient hypersensitivity produced by the noninjurious continuous tone correlated strongly with the permanent hypersensitivity that was produced by the PTS. In regard to the origin of stimulation hypersensitivity, the suggestion is made that it is an indication of a physiological change localizable perhaps in the auditory nuclei of the upper brainstem.

The central projections of intracellularly labeled auditory nerve fibers in cats

The central projections of physiologically characterized auditory nerve fibers were studied in the cochlear nuclei of adult cats after intracellular staining with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). This technique consistently labels only the type I spiral ganglion neurons which contact inner hair cells in the cochlea (Liberman and Oliver, '84). The central axon of each type I neuron bifurcates in the cochlear nucleus to form an ascending branch and a descending branch. The characteristic frequency (CF) of a fiber corresponds to the dorsoventral position of these major branches and their collateral ramifications within the nucleus. Fibers of low CFs are distributed ventrally, and fibers of increasing CF are distributed progressively more dorsally. In some cases, the collateral branches deviate from this tonotopic arrangement, particularly in (1) the octopus cell region of the posteroventral cochlear nucleus, (2) the zone of bifurcations of the auditory nerve fibers, and (3) the anterior, dorsal, and lateral margins of the ventral cochlear nucleus. Spontaneous discharge rate (SR) is related to the complexity of the axon arbor, especially along the ascending branch. Fibers of low and medium SR exhibit more axonal branch points and longer collateral lengths than do those with high SR. Six of 37 labeled fibers fail to innervate the dorsal cochlear nucleus, a feature apparently unrelated to CF or SR.

Pyramidal neurones of the dorsal cochlear nucleus: a Golgi and computer reconstruction study in cat

The main projection neurones of the dorsal cochlear nucleus, termed pyramidal, bipolar or fusiform cells, have an apical dendritic arbor approaching the ependymal surface of the nucleus and a basal arbor oppositely directed. In Golgi-Del Rio-Hortega material these neurones were studied, with the light microscope, in nonconventional planes of sectioning oriented across or parallel to the main axis of the elongated nucleus. The pyramidal neurones were seen to be flattened across this axis. The size, shape and orientation of 21 cells from six blocks were studied in detail with computer-aided graphic reconstructions including stereo views. Camera lucida drawings of each cell (usually from several sections) were digitized to obtain x and y coordinates while z coordinates (depths in the tissue) were read from the fine focus knob during microscopy and typed interactively during digitization. The z values were corrected for the effects of refractive index differences in the optical system. Since it was the aim of this study to focus on some fundamental principles of structure and arrangement of pyramidal cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus rather than on topographic variations, only the middle, regularly built part of the nucleus was examined. Towards the ends of the nucleus the architecture is less regular and will require separate analysis. Measurements of arbor and total cell height and of dendritic length are given. The height of the apical and basal arbor in individual cells showed considerable reciprocity. The total dendritic length was up to 8300 micron (average 6536 micron). The basal arbors always proved to be conspicuously flattened; roughly, the width varied between about 300 and 700 micron (average 489 micron) and the thickness between 65 and 105 micron (average 80 micron). The apical arbors were also often flattened but much less and with a greater variability than the basal arbors (average width 319 micron, thickness 115 micron). The two arbors of individual cells were practically coplanar, the arbor planes showing only moderate angularity (bend) and/or torsion relative to each other (angularity maximum 10 degrees, average 5 degrees; torsion maximum 18 degrees, average 6 degrees). The mutual orientation of cells from the same block was examined. The planes through the basal arbors proved to be very parallel, the differences in orientation angles being between 10 and 0 degrees with rare exceptions. Clearly flattened, apical arbors showed a somewhat greater spread.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cartwheel neurons of the dorsal cochlear nucleus: a Golgi-electron microscopic study in rat

Cartwheel neurons in rat dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) were studied by Golgi impregnation-electron microscopy. Usually situated in layers 1-2, cartwheel neurons (10-14 micrometers in mean cell body diameter) have dendritic trees predominantly in layer 1. The dendrites branch at wide angles. Most primary dendrites are short, nontapering, and bear only a few sessile spines. Secondary and tertiary dendrites are short, curved, and spine-laden. The perikaryon forms symmetric synapses with at least two kinds of boutons containing pleomorphic vesicles. The euchromatic nucleus is indented and has an eccentric nucleolus. The cytoplasm shows several small Nissl bodies, a conspicuous Golgi apparatus, and numerous subsurface and cytoplasmic cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum with a narrow lumen, joined by mitochondria in single or multiple assemblies. In primary dendrites mitochondria are situated peripherally, while in distal branches they become ubiquitous and relatively more numerous. Dendritic shafts usually form symmetric synapses with boutons that contain pleomorphic vesicles. The majority of the dendritic spines are provided with a vesiculo-saccular spine apparatus. All dendritic spines have asymmetric synapses. Most of these are formed with varicosities of thin, unmyelinated fibers (presumably axons of granule cells) running parallel to the long axis of the DCN or radially. These varicosities contain round, clear synaptic vesicles. On the initial axon segment few symmetric synapses are present. The axon acquires a thin myelin sheath after a short trajectory. Cartwheel neurons outnumber all other neurons in layers 1-2 (with the exception of granule cells), and presumably correspond to type C cells with thinly myelinated axons described by Lorente de Nó. The axons of these neurons provide a dense plexus in the superficial layers without leaving the DCN. The possible functional role of cartwheel neurons is discussed.

Intracellular marking of physiologically characterized cells in the ventral cochlear nucleus of the cat

In the cat ventral cochlear nucleus, separate neuronal classes have been defined based on morphological characteristics; physiologically defined unit types have also been described based on the shape of post-stimulus-time-histograms in response to tone bursts at characteristic frequency. The aim of the present study was to address directly the issue of how morphological cell types relate to physiological unit types. We used intracellular injections of horseradish peroxidase to stain individual neurons after their response characteristics were determined by intracellular recordings. The maintenance of a continuous negative resting potential, the correspondence of the calculated position of the electrode tip at the time of injection to the location of the stained neuron, and the similarity of response properties collected before and after the injection provide evidence that the injected, stained, and recovered neuron corresponds to the functionally defined unit. In the region around the nerve root in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus, two " primarylike " and one " primarylike with notch" units were "bushy" cells. "Bushy" cells are characterized by primary dendrites arising from one hemisphere of the soma and ramifying repeatedly to produce their bushy dendritic arbor. In this same region, the "chopper" and two "on" units were also "bushy" cells. In the posteroventral cochlear nucleus, the "chopper" unit was a "stellate" cell and the "on" unit was an "octopus" cell. These results are partially consistent with previous conclusions based on correlations established between the regional distribution of physiological unit types and morphological cell types. More importantly, they confirm and extend recent intracellular marking data (Rhode et al., ' 83b ). If our classification schemes have functional significance, we are left with the conclusion that the distinction between "bushy" and "stellate" cells in the auditory nerve root region of the ventral cochlear nucleus does not correspond in any simple way to distinctions between physiological unit types. More than one morphological cell type can exhibit the same particular response patter, and the same morphological cell type can exhibit several different response patterns.

Hypersensitivity to electrical stimulation of auditory nuclei follows hearing loss in cats

The purpose of the study was to determine if permanent, sound-induced hearing loss altered behaviorally measured thresholds for the detection of electrical stimulation applied to auditory nuclei. Electrodes were placed in cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus in four cats. Behaviorally measured thresholds for the detection of brief trains of electrical pulses were determined before and after a 48 h exposure to a 1 kHz tone of approximately 110 dB SPL. The mean decrease in electrical stimulation threshold as a result of the sound exposure was 10.4 dB. The ongoing electrical activity (in microV, rms) recorded from the electrodes showed a mean 2.2 dB decrease after the sound exposure. In some electrodes, there was partial recovery towards pre-exposure levels for stimulation threshold and for ongoing activity, but typically, the changes persisted until the animals were terminated 30 days later. The magnitudes of the decreases in stimulation threshold and background activity proved not to be highly correlated. The permanent auditory threshold shift across all cats and all frequencies was 19 dB. This mild hearing loss produced a marked alteration in certain characteristics of the central auditory mechanisms.

Physiological response properties of cells labeled intracellularly with horseradish peroxidase in cat dorsal cochlear nucleus

The physiology and morphology of fusiform cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus were studied using extracellular and intracellular recording and intracellular injection of horseradish peroxidase. Fusiform cells displayed a variety of responses to tone pips presented at the characteristic frequency; most often these cells exhibited the pauser/buildup pattern defined in earlier studies. The response pattern of each neuron was dependent on frequency and sound-pressure level. Tone pips evoked short-lasting depolarizations of about 10 mV and long-lasting hyperpolarizations of about 10 mV in cells whose resting potentials were -50 to -65 mV. The time courses of both the excitation and the inhibition depended on frequency and sound-pressure level. Generally the depolarization was sustained for the duration of the tone pip, whereas the hyperpolarization could last as long as 600 ms after the end of the tone pip. Often a neuron exhibited a sustained chopper pattern after microelectrode impalement. This was probably a result of a decrease in membrane potential which altered the relative effectiveness of the excitatory and inhibitory inputs. The large, bitufted fusiform cells had many apical dendrites, which branched one to five times and were covered with spines, and fewer basal dendrites, which exhibited little branching and had few appendages. The morphology of fusiform cells varied systematically as a function of location within the dorsal cochlear nucleus. Response patterns for tone pips were not exclusive to individual cell types as two nonfusiform cells were found to exhibit a buildup pattern. Axons of injected neurons left the nucleus via the dorsal acoustic stria and 14 of 15 had collaterals within the dorsal cochlear nucleus.

Isolation and chemical analysis of neuron soma samples from the cat cochlear nucleus

Pieces of neuron somata were dissected from the cochlear nuclei of two cats and analyzed for activity of malic dehydrogenase, an important enzyme of oxidative metabolism. Based on location, size and shape the somata were identified as those of spherical bushy cells, octopus cells, and fusiform cells. Somata of cerebellar Purkinje cells were analyzed for comparison. The results suggest that the large cochlear nucleus neurons have malic dehydrogenase activities higher than those of most other neurons so far studied. Also, the octopus and fusiform somata had higher malic dehydrogenase activities than those of the spherical bushy cells.

The neuronal architecture of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of the cat in the region of the cochlear nerve root: Golgi and Nissl methods

This report characterizes the cells and fibers in one part of the cochlear nucleus, the posterior division of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus. This includes the region where the cochlear nerve root enters the brain and begins to form endings. Nissl stains reveal the somata of globular cells with dispersed Nissl substance and those of multipolar cells with coarse, clumped Nissl bodies. Both parts of the posterior division contain cells with each Nissl pattern, but in different relative numbers and locations. Golgi impregnations demonstrate two types of neurons: bushy cells, with short bush-like dendrites, and stellate and elongate cells, with long tapered dendrites. Several varieties of bushy cells, differing in the morphology of the cell body and in the size and extent of the dendritic field, can be distinguished. Comparison of the distributions of these cell types, as well as cellular morphology, suggest that the globular cells recognized in Nissl stains correspond to bushy neurons, while the multipolar cells correspond to stellate and elongate neurons. Golgi impregnations reveal large end-bulbs and smaller boutons from cochlear nerve fibers, as well as boutons from other, unidentified sources, ending in this region. The particular arrangements of the dendritic fields of the different cell types and the axonal endings associated with them indicate that these neurons must have different physiological properties, since they define different domains with respect to the cochlear and non-cochlear inputs.

Morphology of primary axosomatic endings in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of the cat: a study of the endbulbs of Held

The central axons of Type I spiral ganglion neurons travel in the auditory nerve and terminate in the cochlear nucleus. The ascending branches of these axons innervate the anteroventral cochlear nucleus and give rise to large axosomatic endings, called the endbulbs of Held, and smaller boutons. This paper reports a study of the endbulbs of Held, stained by horseradish peroxidase and variants of the Golgi method in kittens 2, 5, 10, 20, and 45 days postnatal and adult cats. Endbulbs tend to fall into two extreme groups with some endbulbs having an intermediate appearance; consequently, we have defined three descriptive stages of endbulbs that are conceived of as representing a developmental sequence. One group of endbulbs is found mostly in kittens younger than 10 days postnatal and is similar to the classic description of endbulbs by Ramón y Cajal ('09). The other extreme group of endbulbs is found mostly in adult cats. In these cases, the parent axonal trunk divides into several thick, gnarled branches that in turn branch again, sometimes repeatedly. These branches display irregular varicosities and form a cup-shaped arborization into which the postsynaptic cell body nestles. A chronology of postnatal endbulb development has been inferred from the relative proportions of the different endbulb stages at various ages. Maturation transforms the endbulb of Held from a large, spoon-shaped swelling having many filipodia into an elaborate tree with broad trunks and many smaller branches. Some implications of the proposed development sequence are discussed.

Single unit analysis of the posteroventral cochlear nucleus of the decerebrate cat

Single unit recordings were obtained in the cochlear nuclear complex of the unanesthetized, decerebrate cat. Sixty-six of 282 units were localized to the posteroventral cochlear nucleus, 17 from the multipolar cell area and 49 from the octopus cell area. Spontaneous rates ranged from less than 1 to 75 spikes per second in the multipolar cell area and from less than 1 to 135 spikes per second in the octopus cell area. Poststimulus time histograms revealed four response types, at the best frequency, in the posteroventral cochlear nucleus. These responses were: (1) primary-like (maximum response shortly after the stimulus onset, followed by a reduction in activity to a steady state); (2) chopper (similar to primary-like but with multiple peaks in the first 10-15 milliseconds); (3) onset-ex (onset response followed by a low level of excitation); and (4) onset-in (onset response followed by inhibition). The onset-in responses represented the first observations of inhibition, at best frequency, for onset units in the mammalian cochlear nuclear complex. Analysis of interspike interval distributions showed that both spontaneous and driven activity consisted of irregular intervals for all four response types. Activity-intensity functions for primary-like, chopper and onset-ex units showed monotonic increases with increases in stimulus intensity. Activity-intensity functions for onset-in units were non-monotonic. Latency-intensity functions for primary-like, chopper and onset-ex units exhibited monotonic decreases with increases in intensity. Latency-intensity functions for onset-in units were non-monotonic. In contrast to primary-like, chopper and onset-ex units, onset-in units do not retain the intensity and temporal information coded in the eighth nerve, as least for stimuli above 2 kilohertz. It is hypothesized that a depolarization block, caused by the massive eighth nerve input to octopus cells, is responsible for the inhibition observed from onset-in units.

Anatomy and physiology of the gerbil cochlear nucleus: an improved surgical approach for microelectrode studies

A new, improved surgical approach to the cochlear nucleus is developed in the gerbil. This new approach involves making a small hole in the lateral wall of the temporal bone located within the perimeter of the superior semicircular canal. Microelectrodes are passed through the intact parafloccular lobe of the cerebellum to the cochlear nucleus. One advantage of the new approach is that no removal of any CNS vasculature or neural tissue is necessary. Relations between the bulla, temporal bone and cochlear nucleus are presented in detail. The new approach is demonstrated by making single unit recordings from the cochlear nucleus and classifying response patterns as measured in PST histograms. All of the response types found in cat are found in the gerbil.

Tonotopic organization of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of the cat

A quantitatively accurate map of the tonotopic organization of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) was derived from single unit recordings. Histologically localized single unit recordings from many animals were mapped onto a computerized atlas of the cochlear nucleus, and surfaces of constant characteristic frequency (CF) estimated with the aid of computer graphics. In anterior AVCN the surfaces of constant CF were found to be parallel planes, whereas in posterior AVCN they progressively deviated from this simple description. A further complication was noted in the most posterior portion of the AVCN where units with very different CF was found in close proximity. Comparison of the tonotopic map with descriptions of cellular organization shows conclusively that different CF ranges are dominant in the various cytoarchitectonic regions of the AVCN.

Fine structure of granule cells and related interneurons (termed Golgi cells) in the cochlear nuclear complex of cat, rat and mouse

This paper describes the fine structure of granule cells and granule-associated interneurons (termed Golgi cells) in the cochlear nuclei of cat, rat and mouse. Granule cells and Golgi cells are present in defined regions of ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei collectively termed "cochlear granule cell domain'. The granule cells are small neurons with two or three short dendrites that give rise to a few branches with terminal expansions. These participate in glomerular synaptic arrays similar to those of the cerebellar cortex. In the glomeruli the dendrites form short type 1 synapses with a large, centrally-located mossy bouton containing round synaptic vesicles and type 2 synapses with peripherally located, smaller boutons containing pleomorphic vesicles. The granule cell axons is thin and beaded and, on its way to the molecular layer of the DCN, takes a straight course, which in ventral nucleus is parallel to the pial surface. Neurons of the second category resemble cerebellar Golgi cells and occur everywhere interspersed among the granule cells. They are usually larger than the granule cells and give rise to dendrites which may branch close to and curve around the cell body. The dendrites contain numerous mitochondria and are laden with thin appendages, giving them a hairy appearance. Both the cell body and the stem dendrites participate in glomerular synaptic arrays. Golgi cell glomeruli are distinguishable from the granule cell glomeruli by unique features of the dendritic profiles and by longer, type 1 synaptic junctions with the central mossy bouton. The Golgi cell axon forms a beaded plexus close to the parent cell body. The synaptic vesicle population of the mossy boutons suggests that they are a heterogeneous group and may have multiple origins. Apparently, each of the various classes participates in both granule and Golgi cell glomeruli. The smaller peripheral boutons with pleomorphic vesicles in the two types of glomeruli may represent Golgi cell axons which make synaptic contacts with both granule and Golgi cells. The Golgi cell axons which make synaptic contacts with both granule and Golgi cells. The Golgi cell dendrites, on the other hand, are also contacted by small boutons en passant with round synaptic vesicles, which may represent granule cell axons. A tentative scheme of the circuitry in the cochlear granule cell domain is presented. The similarity with the cerebellar granule cell layer is striking.

Distribution and light microscopic features of granule cells in the cochlear nuclei of cat, rat, and mouse

In the present study the cytology and the topography of the cochlear granule cell domain (a comprehensive term introduced here for all granule cell-containing regions of the cochlear nuclear complex) have been studied light microscopically in Nissl, Bielschowsky, and Golgi-Del Rio-Hortega material of cats, rats, and mice; in Golig rapid material of 0-14-day-old kittens; and in sections of 6-week-old kittens following HRP injections in the superficial dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). The domain has been parcellated in seven subdivisions which, in spite of some species' differences, are easily identifiable in all of the included animals. The cochlear granule cells are considered as a particular class of neuron, which is slightly different from, but nevertheless principally similar to the cerebellar granule cells in both shape and mode of neuronal connections. The digitiform terminals of the cochlear granule cells differentiate after the first two weeks of extrauterine life. In several respects these cells show larger variation among species than do the cerebellar granules, the similarity between the two classes of granule cells being most conspicuous in the rodent. The silver, Golgi rapid, and HRP material suggest that all, or at least the majority, of the granule cell axons project to the molecular layer of the DCN, forming parallel fibers similar to those of the cerebellar cortex. Also, the cochlear parallel fibers traverse the spiny apical dendrites of principal neurons (the pyramidal cells) and the smoother dendrites of molecular layer stellate cells.

The cochlear nuclei in man

The human cochlear nuclei are composed of a ventral and a dorsal nucleus which are similar, though not identical, in their cytoarchitecture to those of other mammals. The ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) consists of a rostral area of spherical cells, a central area of multipolar and globular cells, a posterior area of octopus cells, and laterodorsal cap of small neurons. The interareal boundaries are less distinct in man than in the cat. The central region of multipolar cells and the cap area of small cells constitute the bulk of the human VCN. The spherical, globular, and octopus cells appear relatively less numerous in man than in other mammals. The dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) in man is relatively large, but lacks the typical stratification seen in other mammals, with only vestiges of the granular and molecular layers remaining. Virtually the entire DCN consists of an area of cochlear fiber neuropil containing pyramidal cells, small neurons, and occasional giant cells. The pyramidal cells have lost their typical radial orientation and lie scattered within the cochlear neuropil. Thus the entire human DCN may be equivalent to layers 2 and 3 of this nucleus in other mammals. In spite of the relatively large DCN, the acoustic striae appear small. This is in contrast to the large trapezoid body leaving the VCN. Intrinsic and descending fiber pathways to the cochlear nuclei are not clearly defined and may be less prominent in man than in the cat.

Intracellular recording of 'chopper responses' in the cochler nucleus of the cat

Intracellular recording of 'chopper responses' in the cochlear nucleus of the anesthetized cat presented a sustained depolarization accompanied by spikes that lasted as long as the stimulation.

Ascending projections to the inferior colliculus

Cells that send ascending projections to the inferior colliculus were identified following injections of horseradish peroxidase into the colliculus. Labelled cells were found in all subcollicular auditory nuclei. Virtually all cells of the ipsilateral ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus and medial superior olive appear to project to the colliculus. Very few cells in these nuclei were labelled on the contralateral side. Heavy labelling on the contralateral side was found in the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus and cochlear nucleus, with less labelling being found ipsilaterally in these nuclei. The lateral superior olive was approximately evenly labelled on the two sides, with about half the cells from each side projecting to each colliculus. Cells in all periolivary cell groups were labelled, with most being found adjacent to the medial superior olive. An effort was made to identify individual cell types that were labelled and some 24 cell types were identified. In the cochlear nucleus there were marked differences between cell types in the extent of their labelling. Topographic projections matched previously described tonotopic organization of the colliculus and all major subcollicular nuclei except the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. A description of the cells in the nucleus is provided.

Survey of intracellular recording in the cochlear nucleus of the cat

Intracellular recordings were made in the cochlear nucleus of anesthetized cats. In anterior passes, one never obtained sustained depolarizations from 'primary-like' units. For 'chopper' units, however, it was possible to record sustained depolarizations accompaneid by spikes that lasted as long as the tone burst. 'Pauser, 'buildup' and 'on' units also had spike responses that could be accompanied by sustained depolarizations. For 'pauser', 'buildup' and 'on' units, hyperpolarization was not seen during the times when no spike discharges appeared so long as the tone bursts were at the characteristic frequency of the units.

Masking of electrical by acoustic stimuli: behavioral evidence for tonotopic organization

When pure-tone acoustic masking stimuli of various frequencies were presented simultaneously with electrical stimuli applied to cochlear nucleus, only those maskers within a limited frequency range interfered with the detection of the electrical stimuli. The form of the masking functions obtained suggest that the electrical stimulus directly activated only a small population of neurons which were functioning in a tonotopic fashion.

Descending inputs to caudal cochlear nucleus in cats: a horseradish peroxidase (HRP) study

After HRP injections into the octopus cell area of the cat cochlear nucleus, only periolivary neurons of the superior olivary complex (SOC) reacted. Elongate neurons in the lateral periolivary nuclei (ipsilateral to the injection) and multipolar neurons in ventromedial periolivary regions (contralateral to the injection) contained granules. No neurons in the main SOC nuclei or higher auditory nuclei reacted, despite a wide range of HRP concentrations. Thus, neurons from the SOC to the octopus cell area of the cochlear nucleus seem to be entirely periolivary and not entirely equivalent to neurons providing collaterals to the olivocochlear bundle.

Single unit activity in the posteroventral cochlear nucleus of the cat

Single unit activity in the posteroventral cochlear nucleus (PVCN) was recorded for a variety of stimulus conditions. The units were classified according to their response characteristics. The locations of units were plotted onto a three-dimensional block model of the cochlear nucleus. Certain types of units that responded best to the onsets of stimuli were located predominantly in the octopus cell region of the PVCN. The remainder of the PVCN, which contains a rather heterogeneous collection of small and multipolar cells, was found to contain several types of units with the dominant type being "chopper" units.

Single unit activity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus of the cat

Single unit activity was examined in three component layers of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN): the molecular layer, the fusiform cell layer, and the polymorphic layer (deep DCN). Electrophysiological units were classified into types on the basis of their activity under a variety of stimulus conditions. In the molecular layer spike activity was small and difficult to isolate. Almost all units in the fusiform cell layer could be classified as either "pauser" or "buildup" units. Classification of units in the deep DCN was sometimes difficult, but "pauser," "chopper," and some "on" units were found. The "on" types of units tended to be located in the more superficial part of the deep DCN. Unit locations were referred to a three-dimensional block model of the cochlear nucleus.