The assessment of auditory function is essential for any study that analyzes or manipulates the auditorysystem in relation to genetics, homeostasis, protection, or restoration of hearing. The Auditory PhysiologyCore will provide this critical support. While the auditory brainstem response will be the primary measure ofauditory sensitivity, physiology facilities and expertise will be available for more in-depth measures ofauditory function, e.g..otoacoustic emissions, efferent reflex, round window noise, cochlear microphonics,cochlear whole-nerve action potentials, and endolymphatic potential. Two new services include 'hands on'training in state-of-the-art methods and procedures for multi-channel cellular recordings and patch-clampelectrophysiology. The Auditory Physiology Core will also coordinate noise exposures of animals withrespect to each investigator's needs for either temporary or permanent threshold shifts.The availability of physiological measurements will aid individual projects but also promote collaborationamong investigators with widely varying expertise but with similar questions pertaining to auditoryphysiology. Together with the Cell /Molecular Core, this core will provide the essential link of genetic,molecular and biochemical data to auditory structure and function. The core will also work closely with thenew Delivery Core D. The studies fostered by this new core will require physiological assessment to evaluatethe success of the interventions.The results obtained from the procedures described in this core will be analyzed for statisticalsignificance with the assistance of the Statistics Department at the University of Michigan. To promoteefficient and successful Core operation, regularly scheduled meetings will discuss progress in research,emerging techniques and future directions. Furthermore, the Core will continue to offer resources to replacecurrent animal models (such as the guinea pig) with mice which offer marked advantages by virtue ofincreasing availability of molecular and genetic information. Procedures are in place for scheduling andprioritization of services and quality control, and to coordinate the activities of the Cell/Molecular andAuditory Physiology Cores to facilitate an increased understanding of the molecular and genetic basis forhearing function.
Showing the most recent 10 out of 287 publications
