https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:53095 Wed 27 Mar 2024 12:12:14 AEDT ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:44975 In vivo, the inner ear is difficult to study due to the osseous nature of the otic capsule and its encapsulation within an intricate bony labyrinth. As such, mammalian inner ear explants are an invaluable tool for the study and manipulation of the complex intercellular connections, structures, and cell types within this specialised organ. The greatest strength of this technique is that the complete organ of Corti, or peripheral vestibular organs including hair cells, supporting cells and accompanying neurons, is maintained in its in situ form. The greatest weakness of in vitro hair cell preparations is the short time frame in which the explanted tissue remains viable. Yet, cochlear explants have proven to be an excellent experimental model for understanding the fundamental aspects of auditory biology, substantiated by their use for over 40 years. In this protocol, we present a modernised inner ear explant technique that employs organotypic cell culture inserts and serum free media. This approach decreases the likelihood of explant damage by eliminating the need for adhesive substances. Serum free media also restricts excessive cellular outgrowth and inter-experimental variability, both of which are side effects of exogenous serum addition to cell cultures. The protocol described can be applied to culture both cochlear and vestibular explants from various mammals. Example outcomes are demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, hair cell quantification, and electrophysiological recordings to validate the versatility and viability of the protocol.]]> Wed 26 Oct 2022 08:46:25 AEDT ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:17231 K,L. A similar current was first observed at 15 WG but remained relatively small, even at 18 WG. The presence of a “collapsing” tail current indicates a maturing type I hair cell phenotype and suggests the presence of a surrounding calyx afferent terminal. We were also able to record from calyx afferent terminals in 15–18 WG cristae. In voltage clamp, these terminals exhibited fast inactivating inward as well as slower outward conductances, and in current clamp, discharged a single action potential during depolarizing steps. Together, these data suggest the major functional characteristics of type I and type II hair cells and calyx terminals are present by 18 WG. Our study also describes a new preparation for the functional investigation of key events that occur during maturation of human vestibular organs.]]> Wed 11 Apr 2018 14:41:28 AEST ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48765 Wed 05 Apr 2023 13:55:44 AEST ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:47016 Tue 13 Dec 2022 12:23:37 AEDT ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:53981 Thu 25 Jan 2024 12:57:12 AEDT ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:40675 Mon 18 Jul 2022 09:00:12 AEST ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:50760 24 months) mice had impaired performance in a balance beam task compared to young (3-4 months) adult mice. While there was no qualitative loss of cholinergic axon varicosities in the crista ampullaris of old mice, qPCR analysis revealed reduced expression of nicotinic receptor subunit genes Chrna1, Chrna9, and Chrna10 in the cristae of old relative to young mice. Functionally, single-cell patch clamp recordings taken from type II vestibular hair cells exposed to acetylcholine show reduced conductance through alpha9/10 subunit-containing nicotinic receptors in older mice, despite preserved passive membrane properties and voltage-activated conductances. These findings suggest that cholinergic signaling in the peripheral vestibular sensory organs is vulnerable to aging processes, manifesting in dynamic molecular and functional age-related changes. Given the importance of these organs to our everyday activities, and the dramatic increase in fall incidence in the elderly, further investigation into the mechanisms of altered peripheral vestibular function in older humans is warranted.]]> Mon 07 Aug 2023 14:22:26 AEST ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:48979 Fri 21 Apr 2023 09:29:59 AEST ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:35648 -/-) mice. Immunostaining for choline acetyltransferase revealed there were no obvious gross morphological differences in the peripheral EVS innervation among any of these strains. ACh application onto wt type II hair cells, at resting potentials, produced a fast inward current followed by a slower outward current, resulting in membrane hyperpolarization and decreased membrane resistance. Hyperpolarization and decreased resistance were due to gating of SK channels. Consistent with activation of a9*nAChRs and SK channels, these ACh-sensitive currents were antagonized by the a9*nAChR blocker strychnine and SK blockers apamin and tamapin. Type II hair cells from a9^-/- mice, however, failed to respond to ACh at all. These results confirm the critical importance of a9nAChRs in efferent modulation of mammalian type II vestibular hair cells. Application of exogenous ACh reduces electrical impedance, thereby decreasing type II hair cell sensitivity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Expression of a9 nicotinic subunit was crucial for fast cholinergic modulation of mammalian vestibular type II hair cells. These findings show a multifaceted efferent mechanism for altering hair cell membrane potential and decreasing membrane resistance that should reduce sensitivity to hair bundle displacements.]]> Fri 18 Aug 2023 10:20:28 AEST ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:39675 Fri 17 Jun 2022 15:32:12 AEST ]]> https://novaprd-lb.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:53582 Fri 08 Dec 2023 15:47:54 AEDT ]]>