Somatic mtDNA mutations cause progressive hearing loss in the mouse

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the commonly occurring age-associated hearing loss (presbyacusis). We have previously generated mtDNA mutator mice with increased levels of somatic mtDNA point mutations causing phenotypes consistent with premature ageing. We have now utilized these mice to investigate whether elevated levels of somatic mtDNA mutations affect the auditory system. The mtDNA mutator mice develop a progressive impairment of hearing (ABR thresholds). Quantitative assessment of hair cell loss in the cochlea did not show any significant difference between the mutator and wild-type mice. The mtDNA mutator mice showed progressive apoptotic cell loss in the spiral ganglion and increased pathology with increasing age in the stria vascularis. The neurons in the cochlear nucleus showed an accelerated progressive degeneration with increasing age in the mutator mice compared to the wild-type mice. Both physiological and histological characterization thus reveals a striking resemblance between the auditory system pathology of mtDNA mutator mice and humans with presbyacusis. Somatic mtDNA mutations accumulate during normal ageing and further studies in humans are now warranted to investigate whether presbyacusis can be linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.     

Contrasting mechanisms for hidden hearing loss: Synaptopathy vs myelin defects

Hidden hearing loss (HHL) is an auditory neuropathy characterized by normal hearing thresholds but reduced amplitudes of the sound-evoked auditory nerve compound action potential (CAP). In animal models, HHL can be caused by moderate noise exposure or aging, which induces loss of inner hair cell (IHC) synapses. In contrast, recent evidence has shown that transient loss of cochlear Schwann cells also causes permanent auditory deficits in mice with similarities to HHL. Histological analysis of the cochlea after auditory nerve remyelination showed a permanent disruption of the myelination patterns at the heminode of type I spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) peripheral terminals, suggesting that this defect could be contributing to HHL. To shed light on the mechanisms of different HHL scenarios observed in animals and to test their impact on type I SGN activity, we constructed a reduced biophysical model for a population of SGN peripheral axons whose activity is driven by a well-accepted model of cochlear sound processing. We found that the amplitudes of simulated sound-evoked SGN CAPs are lower and have greater latencies when heminodes are disorganized, i.e. they occur at different distances from the hair cell rather than at the same distance as in the normal cochlea. These results confirm that disruption of heminode positions causes desynchronization of SGN spikes leading to a loss of temporal resolution and reduction of the sound-evoked SGN CAP. Another mechanism resulting in HHL is loss of IHC synapses, i.e., synaptopathy. For comparison, we simulated synaptopathy by removing high threshold IHC-SGN synapses and found that the amplitude of simulated sound-evoked SGN CAPs decreases while latencies remain unchanged, as has been observed in noise exposed animals. Thus, model results illuminate diverse disruptions caused by synaptopathy and demyelination on neural activity in auditory processing that contribute to HHL as observed in animal models and that can contribute to perceptual deficits induced by nerve damage in humans.     

7,8,3'-Trihydroxyflavone, a potent small molecule TrkB receptor agonist, protects spiral ganglion neurons from degeneration both in vitro and in vivo

Most sensorineural hearing loss cases occur as a result of hair cell loss, which results in secondary degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). Substantial loss of SGNs reduces the benefit of cochlear implants, which rely on SGNs for transmitting signals to the central auditory centers. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) play essential roles in cochlear development and are required for SGN survival. Here we report that 7,8,3'-trihydroxyflavone (7,8,3'-THF), which is a small molecule agonist of tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), promoted SGN survival with high potency both in vitro and in vivo. The compound protected the SGNs in a TrkB-dependent manner, as its effects on SGNs disappeared when the TrkB was blocked. Application of 7,8,3'-THF in the bulla of conditional connexin26 (cCx26)-null mice dramatically rescued SGNs in the applied ear compared to untreated control cochlea in the same animal. Our findings suggest that 7,8,3'-THF is a promising therapeutic agent protecting the SGNs from degeneration both in vitro and in vivo.     

Neuronal Differentiation and Extensive Migration of Human Neural Precursor Cells following Co-Culture with Rat Auditory Brainstem Slices

Congenital or acquired hearing loss is often associated with a progressive degeneration of the auditory nerve (AN) in the inner ear. The AN is composed of processes and axons of the bipolar spiral ganglion neurons (SGN), forming the connection between the hair cells in the inner ear cochlea and the cochlear nuclei (CN) in the brainstem (BS). Therefore, replacement of SGNs for restoring the AN to improve hearing function in patients who receive a cochlear implantation or have severe AN malfunctions is an attractive idea. A human neural precursor cell (HNPC) is an appropriate donor cell to investigate, as it can be isolated and expanded in vitro with maintained potential to form neurons and glia. We recently developed a post-natal rodent in vitro auditory BS slice culture model including the CN and the central part of the AN for initial studies of candidate cells. Here we characterized the survival, distribution, phenotypic differentiation, and integration capacity of HNPCs into the auditory circuitry in vitro. HNPC aggregates (spheres) were deposited adjacent to or on top of the BS slices or as a monoculture (control). The results demonstrate that co-cultured HNPCs compared to monocultures (1) survive better, (2) distribute over a larger area, (3) to a larger extent and in a shorter time-frame form mature neuronal and glial phenotypes. HNPC showed the ability to extend neurites into host tissue. Our findings suggest that the HNPC-BS slice co-culture is appropriate for further investigations on the integration capacity of HNPCs into the auditory circuitry.     

Spatiotemporal definition of neurite outgrowth, refinement and retraction in the developing mouse cochlea

The adult mammalian cochlea receives dual afferent innervation: the inner sensory hair cells are innervated exclusively by type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGN), whereas the sensory outer hair cells are innervated by type II SGN. We have characterized the spatiotemporal reorganization of the dual afferent innervation pattern as it is established in the developing mouse cochlea. This reorganization occurs during the first postnatal week just before the onset of hearing. Our data reveal three distinct phases in the development of the afferent innervation of the organ of Corti: (1) neurite growth and extension of both classes of afferents to all hair cells (E18-P0); (2) neurite refinement, with formation of the outer spiral bundles innervating outer hair cells (P0-P3); (3) neurite retraction and synaptic pruning to eliminate type I SGN innervation of outer hair cells, while retaining their innervation of inner hair cells (P3-P6). The characterization of this developmental innervation pattern was made possible by the finding that tetramethylrhodamine-conjugated dextran (TMRD) specifically labeled type I SGN. Peripherin and choline-acetyltransferase immunofluorescence confirmed the type II and efferent innervation patterns, respectively, and verified the specificity of the type I SGN neurites labeled by TMRD. These findings define the precise spatiotemporal neurite reorganization of the two afferent nerve fiber populations in the cochlea, which is crucial for auditory neurotransmission. This reorganization also establishes the cochlea as a model system for studying CNS synapse development, plasticity and elimination.     

EphA7 regulates spiral ganglion innervation of cochlear hair cells

During the development of periphery auditory circuitry, spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) form a spatially precise pattern of innervation of cochlear hair cells (HCs), which is an essential structural foundation for central auditory processing. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental formation of this precise innervation pattern remain not well understood. Here, we specifically examined the involvement of Eph family members in cochlear development. By performing RNA‐sequencing for different types of cochlear cell, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry, we found that EphA7 was strongly expressed in a large subset of SGNs. In EphA7 deletion mice, there was a reduction in the number of inner radial bundles originating from SGNs and projecting to HCs as well as in the number of ribbon synapses on inner hair cells (IHCs), as compared with wild‐type or heterozygous mutant mice, attributable to fewer type I afferent fibers. The overall activity of the auditory nerve in EphA7 deletion mice was also reduced, although there was no significant change in the hearing intensity threshold. In vitro analysis further suggested that the reduced innervation of HCs by SGNs could be attributed to a role of EphA7 in regulating outgrowth of SGN neurites as knocking down EphA7 in SGNs resulted in diminished SGN fibers. In addition, suppressing the activity of ERK1/2, a potential downstream target of EphA7 signaling, either with specific inhibitors in cultured explants or by knocking out Prkg1, also resulted in reduced SGN fibers. Together, our results suggest that EphA7 plays an important role in the developmental formation of cochlear innervation pattern through controlling SGN fiber ontogeny. Such regulation may contribute to the salience level of auditory signals presented to the central auditory system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 452–469, 2016     

Mechanisms of Hearing Loss after Blast Injury to the Ear

Given the frequent use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) around the world, the study of traumatic blast injuries is of increasing interest. The ear is the most common organ affected by blast injury because it is the body’s most sensitive pressure transducer. We fabricated a blast chamber to re-create blast profiles similar to that of IEDs and used it to develop a reproducible mouse model to study blast-induced hearing loss. The tympanic membrane was perforated in all mice after blast exposure and found to heal spontaneously. Micro-computed tomography demonstrated no evidence for middle ear or otic capsule injuries; however, the healed tympanic membrane was thickened. Auditory brainstem response and distortion product otoacoustic emission threshold shifts were found to be correlated with blast intensity. As well, these threshold shifts were larger than those found in control mice that underwent surgical perforation of their tympanic membranes, indicating cochlear trauma. Histological studies one week and three months after the blast demonstrated no disruption or damage to the intra-cochlear membranes. However, there was loss of outer hair cells (OHCs) within the basal turn of the cochlea and decreased spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and afferent nerve synapses. Using our mouse model that recapitulates human IED exposure, our results identify that the mechanisms underlying blast-induced hearing loss does not include gross membranous rupture as is commonly believed. Instead, there is both OHC and SGN loss that produce auditory dysfunction.     

Neurotrophin Gene Therapy for Sustained Neural Preservation after Deafness

The cochlear implant provides auditory cues to profoundly deaf patients by electrically stimulating the residual spiral ganglion neurons. These neurons, however, undergo progressive degeneration after hearing loss, marked initially by peripheral fibre retraction and ultimately culminating in cell death. This research aims to use gene therapy techniques to both hold and reverse this degeneration by providing a sustained and localised source of neurotrophins to the deafened cochlea. Adenoviral vectors containing green fluorescent protein, with or without neurotrophin-3 and brain derived neurotrophic factor, were injected into the lower basal turn of scala media of guinea pigs ototoxically deafened one week prior to intervention. This single injection resulted in localised and sustained gene expression, principally in the supporting cells within the organ of Corti. Guinea pigs treated with adenoviral neurotrophin-gene therapy had greater neuronal survival compared to contralateral non-treated cochleae when examined at 7 and 11 weeks post injection. Moreover; there was evidence of directed peripheral fibre regrowth towards cells expressing neurotrophin genes after both treatment periods. These data suggest that neurotrophin-gene therapy can provide sustained protection of spiral ganglion neurons and peripheral fibres after hearing loss.     

雌激素对老年C57BL/6J小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经节细胞凋亡的影响*

目的:观察雌激素对于老年C57BL/6J小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经节细胞凋亡的影响,并探讨雌激素对老年性耳聋保护作用的可能机制。方法:将40只C57BL/6J雌鼠分为以下4组(10只/组): 3 m组(3月龄组),12 m组(12月假手术组); 12 m OVX组(12月去卵巢组),在9月龄行双侧卵巢切除术,正常饲养至12月龄;12 m OVX+E2组(雌激素干预组)在9月龄行双侧卵巢切除术,经过1月洗脱期后,给予皮下注射雌激素100 μg/(kg·d),持续2月至12月龄,其余各组小鼠正常喂养。至12 m OVX+E2组小鼠给药结束后,尾静脉采血,酶联免疫吸附( ELISA) 法检测各组小鼠血清雌激素水平;听性脑干反应(ABR)检测各组小鼠听力阈值变化;用2%戊巴比妥钠麻醉小鼠,断颈后取双侧耳蜗,石蜡包埋切片,苏木精-伊红HE染色观察各组小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经节形态学变化;TUNEL 染色观察各组小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经节神经元凋亡情况;取耳蜗螺旋神经节,应用实时荧光定量PCR(QRT-PCR)检测各组小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经节凋亡蛋白Caspase-3、Bax、Bcl-2 mRNA 表达水平。结果:12 m组与3 m组相比,小鼠听力阈值升高(P＜0.01),耳蜗螺旋神经节细胞出现缺失严重及异常凋亡(P＜0.01);12 m OVX组小鼠听力阈值高于12 m组(P＜0.01),且螺旋神经节细胞缺失加重,细胞凋亡增多(P＜0.01),凋亡蛋白 Caspase-3、Bax mRNA水平升高(P＜ 0.01),抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2 mRNA水平降低(P＜0.01);外源性给予雌激素12 m OVX+E2组,较12 m OVX组,听力阈值降低(P＜0.01),细胞凋亡减少,凋亡蛋白 Caspase-3、Bax mRNA水平降低(P＜0.01),抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2 mRNA水平升高(P＜0.01)。结论:雌激素可抑制老年C57BL/6J小鼠耳蜗螺旋神经节细胞凋亡,从而实现对老年性耳聋的保护作用。     

顺铂耳毒性大鼠耳聋模型的研究

摘要 目的：探讨顺铂对大鼠造成的听力损伤及耳蜗细胞形态学变化。方法：体内实验,运用顺铂腹腔注射的方法,连续七天注射,通过听性脑干反应检测,观察顺铂对不同日龄的大鼠听力损伤情况;测听后取耳蜗,通过基底膜铺片和冰冻切片的免疫荧光染色,观察听力损伤后对耳蜗毛细胞和螺旋神经元的影响。体外实验,耳蜗器官培养免疫荧光染色,观察顺铂对耳蜗毛细胞和螺旋神经元的影响。结果：顺铂具有耳毒性,会对大鼠听力造成损伤,高频听力损伤更加严重,而且对不同日龄的大鼠造成的听力损失不同,小日龄的大鼠对顺铂耳毒性更加敏感。体内实验,顺铂耳毒性造成听力损失,会引起大鼠耳蜗毛细胞的缺失,但未观察到明显的螺旋神经元缺失,也没有观察到明显的Cleaved caspase-3阳性螺旋神经元细胞。体外实验,可以观察到顺铂同时引起毛细胞和螺旋神经元产生明显的损伤。结论：体、内外实验,都可以建立稳定的顺铂耳毒性大鼠耳聋模型,对研究顺铂损伤耳蜗毛细胞的发生机制和保护奠定了实验基础。     

Deafness and cochlear fibrocyte alterations in mice deficient for the inner ear protein otospiralin

In the cochlea, the mammalian auditory organ, fibrocytes of the mesenchymal nonsensory regions play important roles in cochlear physiology, including the maintenance of ionic and hydric components in the endolymph. Occurrence of human deafness in fibrocyte alterations underlines their critical roles in auditory function. We recently described a novel gene, Otos, which encodes otospiralin, a small protein of unknown function that is produced by the fibrocytes of the cochlea and vestibule. We now have generated mice with deletion of Otos and found that they show moderate deafness, with no frequency predominance. Histopathology revealed a degeneration of type II and IV fibrocytes, while hair cells and stria vascularis appeared normal. Together, these findings suggest that impairment of fibrocytes caused by the loss in otospiralin leads to abnormal cochlear physiology and auditory function. This moderate dysfunction may predispose to age-related hearing loss.     

Soybean β-Conglycinin Prevents Age-Related Hearing Impairment

Obesity-related complications are associated with the development of age-related hearing impairment. β-Conglycinin (β-CG), one of the main storage proteins in soy, offers multiple health benefits, including anti-obesity and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Here, to elucidate the potential therapeutic application of β-CG, we investigated the effect of β-CG on age-related hearing impairment. Male wild-type mice (age 6 months) were randomly divided into β-CG-fed and control groups. Six months later, the body weight was significantly lower in β-CG-fed mice than in the controls. Consumption of β-CG rescued the hearing impairment observed in control mice. Cochlear blood flow also increased in β-CG-fed mice, as did the expression of eNOS in the stria vascularis (SV), which protects vasculature. β-CG consumption also ameliorated oxidative status as assessed by 4-HNE staining. In the SV, lipofuscin granules of marginal cells and vacuolar degeneration of microvascular pericytes were decreased in β-CG-fed mice, as shown by transmission electron microscopy. β-CG consumption prevented loss of spiral ganglion cells and reduced the frequencies of lipofuscin granules, nuclear invaginations, and myelin vacuolation. Our observations indicate that β-CG ameliorates age-related hearing impairment by preserving cochlear blood flow and suppressing oxidative stress.     

Kv7-type Channel Currents in Spiral Ganglion Neurons: INVOLVEMENT IN SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

Alterations in K_v7-mediated currents in excitable cells result in several diseased conditions. A case in DFNA2, an autosomal dominant version of progressive hearing loss, involves degeneration of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) from basal to apical cochlea, manifesting as high-to-low frequency hearing loss, and has been ascribed to mutations in K_v7.4 channels. Analyses of the cellular mechanisms of K_v7.4 mutations and progressive degeneration of SGNs have been hampered by the paucity of functional data on the role K_v7 channels play in young and adult neurons. To understand the cellular mechanisms of the disease in SGNs, we examined temporal (young, 0.5 months old, and senescent, 17 months old) and spatial (apical and basal) roles of K_v7-mediated currents. We report that differential contribution of K_v7 currents in mice SGNs results in distinct and profound variations of the membrane properties of basal versus apical neurons. The current produces a major impact on the resting membrane potential of basal neurons. Inhibition of the current promotes membrane depolarization, resulting in activation of Ca²⁺ currents and a sustained rise in intracellular Ca²⁺. Using TUNEL assay, we demonstrate that a sustained increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ mediated by inhibition of K_v7 current results in significant SGN apoptotic death. Thus, this study provides evidence of the cellular etiology and mechanisms of SGN degeneration in DFNA2.     

Mutation of Npr2 Leads to Blurred Tonotopic Organization of Central Auditory Circuits in Mice

Tonotopy is a fundamental organizational feature of the auditory system. Sounds are encoded by the spatial and temporal patterns of electrical activity in spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and are transmitted via tonotopically ordered processes from the cochlea through the eighth nerve to the cochlear nuclei. Upon reaching the brainstem, SGN axons bifurcate in a stereotyped pattern, innervating target neurons in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (aVCN) with one branch and in the posteroventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei (pVCN and DCN) with the other. Each branch is tonotopically organized, thereby distributing acoustic information systematically along multiple parallel pathways for processing in the brainstem. In mice with a mutation in the receptor guanylyl cyclase Npr2, this spatial organization is disrupted. Peripheral SGN processes appear normal, but central SGN processes fail to bifurcate and are disorganized as they exit the auditory nerve. Within the cochlear nuclei, the tonotopic organization of the SGN terminal arbors is blurred and the aVCN is underinnervated with a reduced convergence of SGN inputs onto target neurons. The tonotopy of circuitry within the cochlear nuclei is also degraded, as revealed by changes in the topographic mapping of tuberculoventral cell projections from DCN to VCN. Nonetheless, Npr2 mutant SGN axons are able to transmit acoustic information with normal sensitivity and timing, as revealed by auditory brainstem responses and electrophysiological recordings from VCN neurons. Although most features of signal transmission are normal, intermittent failures were observed in responses to trains of shocks, likely due to a failure in action potential conduction at branch points in Npr2 mutant afferent fibers. Our results show that Npr2 is necessary for the precise spatial organization typical of central auditory circuits, but that signals are still transmitted with normal timing, and that mutant mice can hear even with these deficits.     

Diet-Induced Obesity Exacerbates Auditory Degeneration via Hypoxia,Inflammation, and Apoptosis Signaling Pathways in CD/1 Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of diet-induced obesity on hearing degeneration in CD/1 mice. Sixty 4-week-old male CD/1 mice were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups. For 16 weeks, the diet-induced obesity (DIO) group was fed a high fat diet and the control group was fed a standard diet of 13.43 % kcal fat. The morphometry, biochemistry, auditory brainstem response thresholds, omental fat, and histopathology of the cochlea were compared between the beginning and end of the study (4 vs. 20 weeks old). The results show that the body weight, fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations, and omental fat weight were higher in the DIO group than in the control group at the end of experiment. The auditory brainstem response thresholds at high frequencies were significantly elevated in the DIO group compared to those of the control group. Histology studies showed that, compared to the control group, the DIO group had blood vessels with smaller diameters and thicker walls in the stria vascularis at the middle and basal turns of the cochlea. The cell densities in the spiral ganglion and spiral ligament at the basal turn of the cochlea were significantly lower in the DIO group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that hypoxia-induced factor 1 (HIF-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), caspase 3, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, and apoptosis inducing factor were all significantly more dense in the spiral ganglion and spiral ligament at the basal turn of cochlea in the DIO group. Our results suggest that diet-induced obesity exacerbates hearing degeneration via increased hypoxia, inflammatory responses, and cell loss in the spiral ganglion and spiral ligament and is associated with the activation of both caspase-dependent and -independent apoptosis signaling pathways in CD/1 mice.     

Degradation of cochlear Connexin26 accelerate the development of age-related hearing loss

The GJB2 gene, encoding Connexin26 (Cx26), is one of the most common causes of inherited deafness. Clinically, mutations in GJB2 cause congenital deafness or late-onset progressive hearing loss. Recently, it has been reported that Cx26 haploid deficiency accelerates the development of age-related hearing loss (ARHL). However, the roles of cochlear Cx26 in the hearing function of aged animals remain unclear. In this study, we revealed that the Cx26 expression was significantly reduced in the cochleae of aged mice, and further explored the underlying molecular mechanism for Cx26 degradation. Immunofluorescence co-localization results showed that Cx26 was internalized and degraded by lysosomes, which might be one of the important ways for Cx26 degradation in the cochlea of aged mice. Currently, whether the degradation of Cx26 in the cochlea leads directly to ARHL, as well as the mechanism of Cx26 degradation-related hearing loss are still unclear. To address these questions, we generated mice with Cx26 knockout in the adult cochlea as a model for the natural degradation of Cx26. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) results showed that Cx26 knockout mice exhibited high-frequency hearing loss, which gradually progressed over time. Pathological examination also revealed the degeneration of hair cells and spiral ganglions, which is similar to the phenotype of ARHL. In summary, our findings suggest that degradation of Cx26 in the cochlea accelerates the occurrence of ARHL, which may be a novel mechanism of ARHL.     

Reinnervation of hair cells by auditory neurons after selective removal of spiral ganglion neurons

Hearing loss can be caused by primary degeneration of spiral ganglion neurons or by secondary degeneration of these neurons after hair cell loss. The replacement of auditory neurons would be an important step in any attempt to restore auditory function in patients with damaged inner ear neurons or hair cells. Application of beta-bungarotoxin, a toxin derived from snake venom, to an explant of the cochlea eradicates spiral ganglion neurons while sparing the other cochlear cell types. The toxin was found to bind to the neurons and to cause apoptotic cell death without affecting hair cells or other inner ear cell types as indicated by TUNEL staining, and, thus, the toxin provides a highly specific means of deafferentation of hair cells. We therefore used the denervated organ of Corti for the study of neuronal regeneration and synaptogenesis with hair cells and found that spiral ganglion neurons obtained from the cochlea of an untreated newborn mouse reinnervated hair cells in the toxin-treated organ of Corti and expressed synaptic vesicle markers at points of contact with hair cells. These findings suggest that it may be possible to replace degenerated neurons by grafting new cells into the organ of Corti.     

Regeneration of the eighth nerve fibers after transection in the red-eared turtle,Chrysemys scripta elegans

The present study examined the time sequence of degeneration and regeneration after transection of the eighth nerve in the red-eared turtle as well as the chromatolytic reaction of the turtle auditory ganglion cells. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) transport between auditory ganglion cells and the medulla identified eighth nerve connections. The course of eighth nerve degeneration was followed with Fink and Heimer degeneration stain and HRP reaction. Cresyl-violet-stained sections through auditory ganglion cells were observed for chromatolysis. Degeneration by-product was intense in the eighth nerve and primary auditory nuclei in turtles surviving 25 and 32 days after eighth nerve transection. Turtles surviving 45 days or less after eighth nerve transection showed HRP reaction product in the eighth nerve to the point of its dorsolateral penetration into the medulla following cochlear duct injections. Acoustic tubercle injections in 50-day survivors showed HRP filling in eighth nerve and auditory ganglion cells. Cochlear duct injections in 67-day survivors demonstrated HRP filling in the eighth nerve and acoustic tubercle. Sections stained for degeneration in 67-day survivors showed little or no degeneration by-product and 80- and 90-day survivors showed none. The proportion of chromatolytic auditory ganglion cells was greatest in the 50-day postoperative turtles when compared to control turtles and other survival stages. Animals which survived longer than 50 days had reduced numbers of chromatolytic cells. Results suggest that the eighth nerve fibers are regenerated to primary brainstem auditory nuclei in experimental turtles surviving 50 days or more. Regeneration occurs between the 45th and 50th day following transection.