Acetylcholine, Outer Hair Cell Electromotility, and the Cochlear Amplifier

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.17-06-02212.1997
• Publication Date: 2018-04-02T21:55:32Z
• Authors: Peter Dallos; David Z. Z. He; Xi Lin; István Sziklai; Samir Mehta; Burt N. Evans
• Keywords: Efferent nerve; Basilar membrane

The dominant efferent innervation of the cochlea terminates on outer hair cells (OHCs), with acetylcholine (ACh) being its principal neurotransmitter. OHCs respond a somatic shape change to alterations in their membrane potential, and this electromotile response is believed provide mechanical feedback basilar membrane. We examine effects ACh responses isolated attempt deduce mechanism action. Axial amplitude cell compliance increase presence ligand. This occurs significantly greater latency than current potential changes attributable contemporaneous Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores. It likely that increased axial largely accounts for motility. are probably related recently demonstrated slow effect. implications present findings commonly assumed behavior vivo considered.