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Embryonic assembly of auditory circuits: spiral ganglion and brainstem
Author(s) -
Marrs Glen S.,
Spirou George A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the journal of physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.802
H-Index - 240
eISSN - 1469-7793
pISSN - 0022-3751
DOI - 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.226886
Subject(s) - spiral ganglion , trapezoid body , neuroscience , brainstem , cochlear nucleus , superior olivary complex , auditory system , biology , sensory system , embryonic stem cell , anatomy , nucleus , ganglion , electrophysiology , inner ear , biochemistry , gene
Key points • Neural activity in sensory systems is important for proper assembly of neural circuits during early development. • In the auditory system, the timing for functional synapse formation and reliance of central circuit formation on peripherally generated activity are unknown. • We used a novel whole‐head slice preparation and genetically labelled auditory neurons to provide the first assay of cells at embryonic ages and reveal a peripheral‐to‐central maturation sequence. • Auditory nerve fibres generate spontaneous action potentials by embryonic day 14 and drive third order central neurons by embryonic day 17, nearly 2 weeks before hearing onset. • This information provides a timeline for initial auditory circuit assembly and the basis to explore mechanisms for initial sensory circuit assembly.