Ambient sound stimulation tunes axonal conduction velocity by regulating radial growth of myelin on an individual, axon-by-axon basis

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316439121
• Publication Date: 2024-03-05T18:46:23Z
• Authors: Mihai Stancu; Hilde Wohlfrom; Martin Heß; Benedikt Grothe; Christian Leibold; Conny Kopp-Schein...
• Keywords: Sensory deprivation; Biological neural network

Adaptive myelination is the emerging concept of tuning axonal conduction velocity to activity within specific neural circuits over time. Sound processing exhibit structural and functional specifications process signals with microsecond precision: a time scale that amenable adjustment in length thickness myelin. Increasing auditory axons by introducing sound-evoked responses during postnatal development enhances myelin thickness, while sensory deprivation prevents such radial growth development. When occurs adulthood, was reduced. However, it unclear whether stimulation adjusts global fashion (whole fiber bundles) or adaptation at level individual fibers. Using temporary monaural mice provided an internal control for a) differentially tracing changes active deprived fibers b) monitoring response acoustic ear same animal. The data show increased number layers around axons, even when located mixed bundles Thicker correlated faster caused shorter brainstem wave VI-I delays, providing physiologically relevant readout. lack compensation emphasizes importance balanced experience both ears throughout lifespan individual.