Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve

Victor H. Hernandez; Anna Gehrt; Zhizi Jing; Gerhard Hoch; Marcus Jeschke; Nicola Strenzke; Tobias Moser

doi:10.3791/52069

A estimulação optogenética do nervo auditivo

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Neuroscience

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve

A estimulação optogenética do nervo auditivo

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10:53 min

October 8, 2014

DOI: 10.3791/52069-v

Victor H. Hernandez^1,2,5, Anna Gehrt^1,3, Zhizi Jing³, Gerhard Hoch¹, Marcus Jeschke¹, Nicola Strenzke³, Tobias Moser^1,2,4

¹InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology,University Medical Center Goettingen, ²Bernstein Focus for Neurotechnology,University of Goettingen, ³Auditory Systems Physiology Group, Department of Otolaryngology,University Medical Center Goettingen, ⁴Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain,University of Goettingen, ⁵Department of Chemical, Electronic, and Biomedical Engineering,University of Guanajuato

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Overview

This article discusses the use of optogenetic stimulation of the auditory nerve in mice as a novel approach for auditory research. The method aims to overcome the limitations of cochlear implants by providing better frequency and intensity resolution.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Auditory Research
Optogenetics

Background

Cochlear implants stimulate the auditory nerve but have limitations.
Optogenetics allows for precise control of neuronal activity.
This study explores a new method for auditory stimulation.
Animal models, specifically mice, are used for experimentation.

Purpose of Study

To optically stimulate the auditory nerve using modified neurons.
To assess the effectiveness of optogenetic techniques in auditory research.
To improve the quality of auditory stimulation compared to traditional methods.

Methods Used

Preparation of a blue micro LED stimulator or optical fiber with a blue laser.
Assessment of the cochlea via a retro auricular microsurgical approach.
Positioning of the optical stimulator to record brainstem responses.
Accessing the inferior colliculus for recording optically evoked activity.

Main Results

Successful optical stimulation of the auditory system was achieved.
Recordings of auditory brainstem responses were obtained.
Local field potentials were recorded, indicating effective stimulation.
The method shows promise for future auditory research and CI development.

Conclusions

Optogenetic stimulation can enhance auditory research methodologies.
This approach may lead to improved cochlear implant technologies.
Further studies are needed to explore its full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants are devices that provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing by directly stimulating the auditory nerve.

How does optogenetics work?

Optogenetics involves the use of light to control neurons that have been genetically modified to express light-sensitive ion channels.

What is the significance of this study?

This study presents a potential alternative to cochlear implants, which could improve auditory perception in individuals with hearing loss.

What animal model is used in this research?

Mice are used as the animal model for this optogenetic stimulation study.

What are auditory brainstem responses?

Auditory brainstem responses are electrical signals generated by the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to sound, used to assess hearing function.

What are local field potentials?

Local field potentials are electrical signals that reflect the summed activity of a population of neurons in a specific area of the brain.

O implante coclear (IC) permitem ouvir pela estimulação elétrica direta do nervo auditivo. No entanto, a má frequência e intensidade resolução limita a qualidade de ouvir com CIs. Aqui descrevemos estimulação optogenética do nervo auditivo em ratos como uma estratégia alternativa para a investigação auditiva e desenvolvimento de futuros ICs.

O objetivo geral deste procedimento é estimular opticamente o nervo auditivo de animais com neurônios do gânglio espiral optogeneticamente modificados. Isso é feito preparando primeiro um estimulador micro LED azul ou uma fibra óptica acoplada a um laser azul. O próximo passo do procedimento é avaliar a cóclea usando uma abordagem microcirúrgica retroauricular.

O terceiro passo é posicionar o estimulador óptico para registrar as respostas do tronco encefálico evocadas opticamente. A etapa final é acessar o cólus inferior para registrar a atividade evocada opticamente. Em última análise, os resultados podem mostrar a estimulação bem-sucedida do sistema auditivo por meio de registros das respostas auditivas do tronco encefálico e dos potenciais de campo locais.

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