经验改变大鼠听皮层神经元的特征频率

应用常规电生理学技术,以神经元的特征频率和频率调谐曲线为指标,研究大鼠听皮层神经元特征频率的可塑性. 结果表明,在给予的条件刺激频率和神经元特征频率相差1.0 kHz范围内,条件刺激可诱导50%以上神经元特征频率发生完全偏移,并可分为向频率调谐曲线的低频端偏移、高频端偏移,或两侧均可偏移三种类型. 其中,神经元的特征频率高、Q₁₀-dB值大和频率调谐曲线对称指数大于零的神经元,其特征频率偏向频率调谐曲线高频端的概率更高. 结果提示,经验可改变大鼠听皮层神经元的特征频率,为深入研究中枢神经元功能活动可塑性的机制提供了重要实验资料.     

大鼠生后发育过程中听皮层神经元特征频率的可塑性

应用常规电生理学技术,以神经元的特征频率和频率调谐曲线为指标,分别在生后2、3、4、5、6和8周龄SD大鼠上,研究生后发育过程中,听皮层神经元特征频率的可塑性.结果表明,在给予条件刺激频率和神经元特征频率相差1.0kHz范围内,条件刺激都可诱导各年龄组神经元特征频率向频率调谐曲线的低频端、高频端或调谐曲线的两端相应的偏移.特征频率偏移的概率与年龄相关.随着年龄的增长,特征频率偏移的比例下降,而不偏移的比例则上升.随着年龄增长,那些Q10-dB值大和频率调谐曲线对称指数大于零的神经元,特征频率偏移到频率调谐曲线高频端的比例增加更为明显(P<0.01).诱导特征频率完全偏移的时程和特征频率恢复的时程也与动物的年龄相关,随着年龄增长,诱导和恢复时程都明显延长(P<0.05).结果提示,大鼠听皮层神经元特征频率的可塑性与生后年龄相关,为深入研究中枢神经元功能活动可塑性的机制提供了重要实验资料.     

大鼠听神经单纤维的活动

本文以声压级(SP)的dB值为单位,用不同频率(从音频到超声)的声刺激,对大鼠听觉一级神经元325根单一纤维的活动进行了观察。结果表明:每一纤维都有自己的最佳频率和相应的最低阈值。测得最佳频率的最低值为0.58kHz,最高值为62.6kHz; 最低阈值为6dBSPL,其相应频率为27.49kHz;最敏感的频率范围在20—50kHz。频率-阈值曲线在比最佳频率高的一侧斜度陡峭,低的一侧倾斜缓慢。频率-阈值曲线的锐度若以Q值表示,它对最佳频率分布的回归曲线由最佳频率的低频向高频方向逐渐升高,且Q10,Q20,Q30,Q40,Q50,dB的回归曲线具有相似的倾斜度。绝大多数纤维都有自发放电。给最佳频率持续音作用时,随刺激强度的增强,放电速率增加,但到阈上30dB左右皆达饱和。由各频率的最低阈值绘成的听反应阈曲线与行为测听所得的听力曲线颇为近似。     

不同的声音强度对大鼠听皮层神经元特征频率可塑性的影响

目的：探讨声音强度对大鼠听皮层神经元特征频率可塑性的影响。方法：采用常规电生理学细胞外记录技术,测定不同声刺激强度下,听皮层神经元的特征频率和调谐曲线,比较条件刺激前后的变化。结果：在条件刺激声频率和神经元的特征频率相差±1.0kHz范围内,条件刺激诱导的神经元特征频率可塑性与条件刺激强度有关,较高的刺激强度比较低刺激强度诱导的特征频率可塑性概率高;特征频率可塑性的概率与神经元的频率调谐曲线类型相关,但这种相关几乎不受条件刺激声强度影响。结论：条件声刺激强度可明显影响大鼠听皮层神经元特征频率的可塑性。     

弱背景噪声对大鼠听皮层神经元频率调谐的影响

在自然环境中,人和动物常在一定的背景噪声下感知信号声刺激,然而,关于低强度的弱背景噪声如何影响听皮层神经元对声刺激频率的编码尚不清楚.本研究以大鼠听皮层神经元的频率反应域为研究对象,测定了阈下背景噪声对79个神经元频率反应域的影响.结果表明,弱背景噪声对大鼠初级听皮层神经元的听反应既有抑制性影响、又有易化性影响.一般来说,抑制性影响使神经元的频率调谐范围和最佳频率反应域缩小,易化性影响使神经元的频率调谐范围和最佳频率反应域增大.对于少数神经元,弱背景噪声并未显著改变其频率调谐范围,但却改变了其最佳频率反应域范围.弱背景噪声对63.64%神经元的特征频率和55.84%神经元的最低阈值无显著影响.神经元频率调谐曲线的尖部比中部更容易受到弱背景噪声的影响.该研究结果有助于我们进一步理解复杂声环境下大脑听皮层对听觉信息的编码机制.     

普通伏翼蝠下丘神经元基本声反应特性

自由声场条件下,采用单单位胞外微电极记录方法,研究了普通伏翼蝠(Pipistrellusabramus)下丘神经元基本声反应特性。结果发现,在所得的65个下丘神经元中:特征频率在18.9~76.7kHz(42.94±11.29)之间,最小阈值在29.1~80.1dBSPL(58.65±12.62)之间,潜伏期在3.1~10.4ms(6.10±1.47)之间;特征频率随记录深度的增加而增大,与最小阈值之间没有显著相关性;发放类型包括相位型(73.85%)、梳齿型(15.38%)和紧张型(10.77%)3种基本类型;频率调谐曲线均为开峰型,多数神经元(72.30%)调谐曲线较宽阔,少数(27.70%)较狭窄,并且多数神经元的频率调谐曲线高频边比低频边陡。     

甘肃鼢鼠和根田鼠听域研究

用电生理学方法对甘肃鼢鼠和根田鼠的听性脑干反应(ABR)的反应阈值做了测定,以确定甘肃鼢鼠和根田鼠听域.结果 表明甘肃鼢鼠听力敏感频率为12 kHz,根田鼠的听力敏感频率为16～32 kHz.甘肃鼢鼠和根田鼠听性脑干电位测定结果表明地下鼠和地面鼠低频高频听力阈值存在差异,地下鼠对中低频声波敏感.     

Bicuculline对小鼠中脑下丘听神经元反应特性的影响

采用微电泳技术考察了CABASA受体拮抗剂荷包牡丹碱(bicuculline),对小鼠中脑下丘听神经元强度－放电率曲线,频率调谐曲线和听空间反应域的影响,结果表明,微电泳bicuculline使听神经元的放电率显著提高,多数神经元的强度－放电率曲线变为单调型,听视经元频率调谐曲线加宽,并且对曲线上部的作用更加明显,听神经元的听空间反应域增大,大向敏感性降低,实验结果提示了GABA能抑制在下丘听信息处理中的重要作用。     

Bicuculline对小鼠中脑下丘听神经元

采用微电泳技术考察了GABAA受体拮抗剂荷包牡丹碱（bicuculline）,对小鼠中脑下丘听神经元强度-放电率曲线、频率调谐曲线和听空间反应域的影响。结果表明,微电泳bicuculline使听神经元的放电率显著提高,多数神经元的强度-放电率曲线变为单调型;听神经元频率调谐曲线加宽,并且对曲线上部的作用更加明显;听神经元的听空间反应域增大,方向敏感性降低。实验结果提示了GABA能抑制在下丘听信息处理中的重要作用。     

CBA、BALB／c、C57BL、昆明系小鼠及豚鼠听性脑干反应阈值的检测

目的:比较CBA、BALB/c、C57BL、昆明系小鼠及豚鼠5种啮齿类动物的正常听性脑干反应(ABR)的阈值及其频率特性.方法:采用IHS SmartEP 3.91系统对4种小鼠和豚鼠的ABR进行检测和比较,使用短音(Tone-pip)作为刺激声测定其各频率的阈值及其特点,绘制各自的听觉频率-阈值的关系曲线,找出各自的最佳刺激频率.结果:五种啮齿类动物中,豚鼠的ABR阈值最低,然后依次是昆明系小鼠,CBA小鼠,BALB/c小鼠,C57BL小鼠;其ABR最佳反应阈值均为10 kHz,即在10 kHz时各自的ABR阈值最低;频率低于10 kHz时,其ABR阈值逐渐升高,高于10 kHz时,ABR阈值逐渐降低,这是五种被检测动物ABR频率-阈值的关系曲线的共同特点.结论:实验所检测的五种啮齿类动物中,豚鼠的听觉功能最好:在4种小鼠中,昆明系小鼠的听觉功能较其余小鼠的为好;这五种啮齿类动物的听觉最适刺激频率均为10 kHz,最适合的测试频率范围是8 kHz至24 kHz.     

Hearing and frequency dependence of auditory interneurons in the parasitoid fly <Emphasis Type="Italic">Homotrixa alleni</Emphasis> (Tachinidae: Ormiini)

The parasitoid tachinid fly Homotrixa alleni detects its hosts by their acoustic signals. The tympanal organ of the fly is located at the prothorax and contains scolopidial sensory units of different size and orientation. The tympanal membrane vibrates in the frequency range of approximately 4–35 kHz, which is also reflected in the hearing threshold measured at the neck connective. The auditory organ is not tuned to the peak frequency (5 kHz) of the main host, the bush cricket Sciarasaga quadrata. Auditory afferents project in the three thoracic neuromeres. Most of the ascending interneurons branch in all thoracic neuromeres and terminate in the deutocerebrum of the brain. The interneurons do not differ considerably in frequency tuning, but in their sensitivity with lowest thresholds around 30 dB SPL. Suprathreshold responses of most neurons depend on frequency and intensity, indicating inhibitory influence at higher intensities. Some neurons respond particularly well at low frequency sounds (around 5 kHz) and high intensities (80–90 dB SPL), and thus may be involved in detection of the primary host, S. quadrata. The auditory system of H. alleni contains auditory interneurons reacting in a wide range of temporal patterns from strictly phasic to tonic and with clear differences in frequency responses.     

Psychophysical and neurophysiological hearing thresholds in the bat <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllostomus </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">discolor</Emphasis>

Absolute hearing thresholds in the spear-nosed bat Phyllostomus discolor have been determined both with psychophysical and neurophysiological methods. Neurophysiological data have been obtained from two different structures of the ascending auditory pathway, the inferior colliculus and the auditory cortex. Minimum auditory thresholds of neurons are very similar in both structures. Lowest absolute thresholds of 0 dB SPL are reached at frequencies from about 35 to 55 kHz in both cases. Overall behavioural sensitivity is roughly 20 dB better than neural sensitivity. The behavioural audiogram shows a first threshold dip around 23 kHz but threshold was lowest at 80 kHz (−10 dB SPL). This high sensitivity at 80 kHz is not reflected in the neural data. The data suggest that P. discolor has considerably better absolute auditory thresholds than estimated previously. The psychophysical and neurophysiological data are compared to other phyllostomid bats and differences are discussed. S. Hoffmann, L. Baier, F. Borina contributed equally to this work.     

Thresholds of cat cochlear nucleus neurons to microwave pulses

Action potentials of neurons in cat dorsal and posteroventral cochlear nuclei were recorded extracellularly with glass microelectrodes while the head of the cat was exposed to microwave pulses at 915 MHz using a diathermy applicator. Response thresholds to acoustic tones, acoustic clicks, and microwave pulses were determined for auditory units with characteristic frequencies (CFs) from 278 Hz to 39.2 kHz. Tests with pulsatile stimuli were performed for durations of 20-700 mus, principally 20, 70, and 200 mus. Brainstem midline specific absorption rate (SAR) threshold was as small as 11.1 mW/g per pulse, and specific absorption (SA) threshold was a small as 0.6 muJ/g per pulse. Microwave thresholds were generally lower for CF less than 9 kHz, as were most acoustic thresholds. However, microwave threshold was only weakly related to click threshold and CF-tone threshold of each unit.     

Behavioral detection of acoustic particle motion by a teleost fish (Astronotus ocellatus): sensitivity and directionality

The physiology and morphology of auditory interneurons of a fly, the parasitoid Therobia leonidei, are described for the first time. 1. The hearing threshold has been determined with summed recordings of the neck connective. Females are most sensitive in a frequency range from 16 to 40 kHz (thresholds: around 45 dB SPL). This broad hearing range matches with the peak frequencies of the song spectra of host bushcricket species. Male flies are 10–20 dB less sensitive than females. 2. The sensory cells of the prosternal tympanal organ of T. leonidei project into the thoracico-abdominal ganglion complex with arborizations in all three thoracic neuromeres. 3. Three types of ascending auditory interneurons were identified by their morphology and response properties. These have arborizations in all three thoracic neuromeres and terminate soma-contralaterally in the brain. At least three other neuron types were also identified according to response properties alone. The neurons show similar spectral tuning but different sensitivities.     

Cochlear sensitivity in the lesser spear-nosed bat, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllostomus discolor</Emphasis>

Behavioral auditory thresholds of Phyllostomus discolor are characterized by two threshold minima separated by an insensitive region at about 55 kHz (Esser and Daucher 1996). To investigate whether these characteristics are due to cochlear properties, we recorded distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and calculated relative DPOAE threshold curves, which proved to be a good measure of cochlear sensitivity. Our results indicate that in P. discolor, cochlear sensitivity, as assessed by DPOAE recordings, does not show a threshold maximum at 55 kHz. The DPOAE threshold curves display an absolute minimum at approximately 30 kHz, and from that frequency region, the threshold continuously increases without any pronounced irregularities. The frequency tuning properties of the cochlea, as assessed by DPOAE suppression tuning curves (STCs) reveal broad filter bandwidths with Q10dB values between 3.4 and 10.7. There are no frequency-specific specializations of cochlear tuning. The characteristic pattern of subsequent threshold maxima and minima at high frequencies observed in behavioral studies seems to be shaped by transfer characteristics of the outer ear and/or neuronal processing in the ascending auditory pathway rather than by cochlear mechanics.     

Functional correlates of characteristic frequency in single cochlear nerve fibers of the Mongolian gerbil

Summary Single-unit recordings obtained from the auditory nerve of the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, revealed functional differences in the response properties of neurons tuned to low and high frequencies. The distribution of neural thresholds displayed a distinct rise for auditory nerve fibers with characteristic frequencies] (CFs) between 3–5 kHz. This frequency band also marked abrupt changes in both the distribution of spontaneous discharge rates and the shape of the neural tuning curve. For neurons of all CFs, spontaneous firing rates were inversely related to neural threshold but unrelated to sharpness of neural tuning. The range of CF thresholds encountered, even when data from many animals were combined, rarely exceeded 20 dB, suggesting that cochlear nerve responses obtained from this species display little inter-animal variability. These results are compared with similar data from other species and discussed in terms of recent studies on sound communication and cochlear anatomy in gerbils.Abbreviations CF characteristic frequency - SR spontaneous discharge rate     

螽斯听觉中间神经元TN2的声反应特征以及GABA对其影响

采用单细胞电生理记录技术,对螽斯Ｇａｍｐｏｃｌｅｉｓ ｇｒａｔｉｏｓａ听觉双轴突中间神经元ＴＮ２的声反应放电活动的基本特征进行了观测,发现ＴＮ２的放电模式为“ｐｈａｓｉｃ”型,最敏感频率为１３ｋＨｚ,反应阈值为３１ｄＢ ＳＰＬ,是一个高灵敏、宽带通的神经元。还研究了抑制性神经递质ＧＡＢＡ及其拮抗剂苦毒素对ＴＮ２声反应的影响,发现ＧＡＢＡ能抑制ＴＮ２的放电活动,而苦毒素则将其放电模式改变为“ｔｏｎｉ