Primordial rhythmic bursting in embryonic cochlear ganglion cells

Timothy A. Jones, Sherri M. Jones, Kristina C. Paggett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined the nature of spontaneous discharge patterns in cochlear ganglion cells in embryonic day 13 (E13) to early E17 chicken embryos (stages 39-43). Neural recordings were made with glass micropipettes. No sound-driven activity was seen for the youngest embryos (maximum intensity 107 dB sound pressure level). Ganglion cells were labeled with biotinylated dextran amine in four embryos. In two animals, primary afferents projected to hair cells in the middle region along the length of the basilar papilla in which, in one cell, the terminals occupied a neural transverse position and, in the other, a more abneural location. Statoacoustic ganglion cells showing no spontaneous activity were seen for the first time in the chicken. The proportion of "silent" cells was largest at the youngest stages (stage 39, 67%). In active cells, mean spontaneous discharge rates [9.4 ± 10.4 spikes (Sp)/sec; n = 44] were lower than rates for older embryos (19 ± 17 Sp/sec) (Jones and Jones, 2000). Embryos at stages 39-41 evidenced even lower rates (4.2 ± 5.0 Sp/sec). The most salient feature of spontaneous activity for stages 39-43 was a bursting discharge pattern in >75% of active neurons (33 of 44). Moreover, in 55% of these cells, there was a clear, slow, rhythmic bursting pattern. The proportion of cells showing rhythmic bursting was greatest at the youngest stages (39-42) and decreased to >30% at stage 43. Rate of bursting ranged from 1 to 54 bursts per minute. The presence of rhythmic bursting in cochlear ganglion cells at E13-E17 provides an explanation for the existence of such patterns in central auditory relays. The bursting patterns may serve as a patterning signal for central synaptic refinements in the auditory system during development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8129-8135
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume21
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Audition
  • Bird
  • Chicken
  • Embryonic development
  • Functional ontogeny
  • Hearing
  • Primary afferents
  • Spontaneous activity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Primordial rhythmic bursting in embryonic cochlear ganglion cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this