Localization of inner hair cell mechanotransducer channels using high-speed calcium imaging.

ABSTRACT: Hair cells detect vibrations of their stereociliary bundle by activation of mechanically sensitive transducer channels. Although evidence suggests the transducer channels are near the stereociliary tops and are opened by force imparted by tip links connecting contiguous stereocilia, the exact channel site remains controversial. We used fast confocal imaging of fluorescence changes reflecting calcium entry during bundle stimulation to localize the channels. Calcium signals were visible in single stereocilia of rat cochlear inner hair cells and were up to tenfold larger and faster in the second and third stereociliary rows than in the tallest first row. The number of functional stereocilia was proportional to transducer current amplitude, indicating that there were about two channels per ste

SUBMITTER: Beurg M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2712647 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature