Principal neurons of the medial superior olive (MSO) encode submillisecond differences in the arrival of binaural synaptic activity, information that is used for sound localization along the azimuth. Such fine temporal discrimination requires that MSO principal neurons respond to excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs with voltage changes that are both rapid and brief. As with other neurons in time-coding auditory pathways, MSO principal neurons exhibit biophysical specializations that enable them to meet this computational challenge. These specialization include the expression of low voltage activated potassium channels (K(lva)), which are widely expressed in brainstem time-coding auditory neurons. Previous experiments from this lab have shown K(lva) contribute immensely to the overall excitability of primary MSO neurons. However, the biophysical properties and role these channels play in shaping excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials is still not well understood. Experiments in this application will help to define how the spatial distribution and kinetic properties of K(lva) shape the sensitivity and timing of synaptic integration in principal MSO neurons.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31DC008030-01A1
Application #
7155742
Study Section
Communication Disorders Review Committee (CDRC)
Program Officer
Sklare, Dan
Project Start
2006-04-28
Project End
2009-04-27
Budget Start
2006-04-28
Budget End
2007-04-27
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$31,523
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Austin
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
170230239
City
Austin
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78712