Abstract
We found rat central auditory neurons to fire action potentials in a precise sequence of mini-bursts before the age of hearing onset. This stereotyped pattern was initiated by hair cells in the cochlea, which trigger brief bursts of action potentials in auditory neurons each time they fire a Ca2+ spike. By generating theta-like activity, hair cells may limit the influence of synaptic depression in developing auditory circuits and promote consolidation of synapses.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Action Potentials / physiology*
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Auditory Pathways / growth & development*
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Auditory Pathways / physiology*
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Calcium / metabolism*
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Cochlea / growth & development
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Cochlea / physiology
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Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner / physiology*
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In Vitro Techniques
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Microelectrodes
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Neurons / physiology*
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Olivary Nucleus / growth & development
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Olivary Nucleus / physiology
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Patch-Clamp Techniques
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rats, Wistar
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Spiral Ganglion / growth & development
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Spiral Ganglion / physiology
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Time Factors