The efferent medial olivocochlear-hair cell synapse.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Elgoyhen AB
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3213294 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
The efferent medial olivocochlear-hair cell synapse.
Elgoyhen Ana Belén AB Katz Eleonora E
Journal of physiology, Paris 20110706 1-2
Amplification of incoming sounds in the inner ear is modulated by an efferent pathway which travels back from the brain all the way to the cochlea. The medial olivocochlear system makes synaptic contacts with hair cells, where the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is released. Synaptic transmission is mediated by a unique nicotinic cholinergic receptor composed of α9 and α10 subunits, which is highly Ca2+ permeable and is coupled to a Ca2+-activated SK potassium channel. Thus, hyperpolarization of ...[more]
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