Biomaterial Database

[Are cochlear outer hair cells the origin of otoacoustic emissions?]. 1990

P K Plinkert, and H P Zenner

Univ. HNO Klinik, Tübingen, R.F.A.

Recent investigations have shown, that cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs) influence actively the micromechanics of the cochlea, beside their capability for auditory perception. A direct evidence for these energy requiring processes has been the registration of otoacoustic emissions in the external ear canal. Motile responses of isolated OHCs following various stimuli have been suggested to be the possible source of the postulated active mechanical processes. These motile events are possibly controlled by the efferent olivocochlear innervation. By means of two monoclonal antibodies, which were directed against external and internal acetylcholine (ACh) receptor epitopes, we were able to visualize ACh-receptors on OHCs. We suspect, that ACh is released into the synaptic cleft and binds to these newly observed receptors. Thereby they may influence the biomechanics of the cochlea.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009925	Organ of Corti	The spiral EPITHELIUM containing sensory AUDITORY HAIR CELLS and supporting cells in the cochlea. Organ of Corti, situated on the BASILAR MEMBRANE and overlaid by a gelatinous TECTORIAL MEMBRANE, converts sound-induced mechanical waves to neural impulses to the brain.	Basilar Papilla,Corti's Organ,Spiral Organ,Corti Organ,Cortis Organ,Organ, Corti's,Organ, Spiral,Organs, Spiral,Papilla, Basilar,Spiral Organs
D003051	Cochlea	The part of the inner ear (LABYRINTH) that is concerned with hearing. It forms the anterior part of the labyrinth, as a snail-like structure that is situated almost horizontally anterior to the VESTIBULAR LABYRINTH.	Cochleas
D004525	Efferent Pathways	Nerve structures through which impulses are conducted from a nerve center toward a peripheral site. Such impulses are conducted via efferent neurons (NEURONS, EFFERENT), such as MOTOR NEURONS, autonomic neurons, and hypophyseal neurons.	Motor Pathways,Efferent Pathway,Pathway, Efferent,Pathways, Efferent
D006198	Hair Cells, Auditory	Sensory cells in the organ of Corti, characterized by their apical stereocilia (hair-like projections). The inner and outer hair cells, as defined by their proximity to the core of spongy bone (the modiolus), change morphologically along the COCHLEA. Towards the cochlear apex, the length of hair cell bodies and their apical STEREOCILIA increase, allowing differential responses to various frequencies of sound.	Auditory Hair Cells,Cochlear Hair Cells,Auditory Hair Cell,Cell, Cochlear Hair,Cells, Cochlear Hair,Cochlear Hair Cell,Hair Cell, Auditory,Hair Cell, Cochlear,Hair Cells, Cochlear
D006309	Hearing	The ability or act of sensing and transducing ACOUSTIC STIMULATION to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. It is also called audition.	Audition
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000162	Acoustics	The branch of physics that deals with sound and sound waves. In medicine it is often applied in procedures in speech and hearing studies. With regard to the environment, it refers to the characteristics of a room, auditorium, theatre, building, etc. that determines the audibility or fidelity of sounds in it. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed)	Acoustic
D018377	Neurotransmitter Agents	Substances used for their pharmacological actions on any aspect of neurotransmitter systems. Neurotransmitter agents include agonists, antagonists, degradation inhibitors, uptake inhibitors, depleters, precursors, and modulators of receptor function.	Nerve Transmitter Substance,Neurohormone,Neurohumor,Neurotransmitter Agent,Nerve Transmitter Substances,Neurohormones,Neurohumors,Neuromodulator,Neuromodulators,Neuroregulator,Neuroregulators,Neurotransmitter,Neurotransmitters,Substances, Nerve Transmitter,Transmitter Substances, Nerve,Substance, Nerve Transmitter,Transmitter Substance, Nerve