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M Eybalin

Publications and source records attributed to M Eybalin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Ontogeny of gamma-aminobutyric acid in efferent fibers to the rat cochlea.

Cochlear efferent innervation originates in two different groups of neurons located in the superior olivary complex. A first group of olivocochlear neurons (lateral efferent neurons) lies in the lateral superior olive. They send axons to the organ of Corti, where they synapse with radial afferent dendrites of primary auditory neurons, postsynaptic to the inner hair cells. The second group of neurons (medial efferent neurons) is found in medial subnuclei of the superior olivary complex and sends axons to synapse with outer hair cells. Subpopulations of both medial and lateral olivocochlear neurons probably use gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a neurotransmitter. We have used an immunoperoxidase technique to detect GABA-like immunoreactivity (GABA-LI) in postnatal maturing rat cochleas. The GABA-LI appeared in the inner hair cell region by P3 (P1 = birth) and reached a mature appearance by P15-P16. In the outer hair cell region, GABA-like immunoreactive fibers and terminals could not be identified until P9 and they were only found in the apical end of the cochlea. There was a dual gradient of maturation of GABA-LI in the cochlea. The GABA-LI appeared first at the cochlear base and then extended towards the apex. It also appeared earlier (about a week) in the inner hair cell region than in the outer hair cell region. This dual gradient of maturation is in close agreement with previous data concerning the maturation of the cochlea.

Animals↗

Cellular distribution of parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the peripheral vestibular system of three rodents.

The cellular distribution of parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the vestibular peripheral system of mouse, rat, and guinea pig was investigated by light and electron microscopy. Parvalbumin was found in all neurons of the vestibular ganglia of these species but in the sensory epithelia immunoreactivity was restricted to type I hair cells localized exclusively in the central areas. The very intense staining pattern was similar in the cristae ampullares and utricles of all three species but a faint immunoreaction was also detectable in sensory cells of peripheral areas of rat cristae. The parvalbumin-immunoreactive type I sensory cells are connected by nerve fibres of the calyx unit type which are known selectively to contain calretinin.

Animals↗

Dopaminergic lateral efferent innervation of the guinea-pig cochlea: immunoelectron microscopy of catecholamine-synthesizing enzymes and effect of 6-hydroxydopamine.

We have used an immunocytochemical approach to gain further data supporting a possible neurotransmitter or neuromodulator function for dopamine at the level of efferent (olivocochlear) innervations of the guinea-pig cochlea. Immunofluorescence screening was first done on cochleas two or seven days after infusion with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine. Two days after neurotoxin perfusion, the intensity of the tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity was decreased in the inner and tunnel spiral bundles of the organ of Corti (and in known noradrenergic sympathetic fibers outside this organ), with respect to the control contralateral cochleas. In cochleas screened seven days after 6-hydroxydopamine infusion, no tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity could be found in the organ of Corti. Only occasional faint fluorescence could be detected in sympathetic fibers. In another set of experiments, a pre-embedding immunoperoxidase technique was used to localize tyrosine hydroxylase and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, another catecholamine-synthesizing enzyme, at the ultrastructural level. With both types of antibody, the same kind of results were observed. Immunoreactivities were only seen in vesiculated fibers within the inner and tunnel spiral bundles, thus are likely in lateral efferent varicosities. These immunostained fibers accounted for approximately half of the efferent profiles in the inner spiral bundle. Within this bundle, the immunoreactive fibers established axodendritic synapses with the radial afferent processes of type I neurons which contacted the inner hair cells. In no case was immunoreactivity to either enzyme observed in the outer hair cell region, at the level of medial efferent terminals. The synaptic localization of tyrosine hydroxylase- and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase-like immunoreactivities in the lateral efferent varicosities of the inner spiral bundle, as well as the effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on the tyrosine hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity in this same bundle, further support the hypothesis that a catecholamine could act as a lateral efferent neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Based on previous data reporting a lack of dopamine-beta-hydroxylase-like immunoreactivity within the organ of Corti, and the effectiveness of a D2 agonist on the cochlear compound action potential of the auditory nerve, this catecholamine could well be dopamine.

Animals↗

Anticholinergic effects of strychnine in the cochlea do not involve muscarinic receptors.

Central control of cochlear function is mediated by the cholinergic (medial) efferent system and both muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are thought to be present on outer hair cells. All the physiological effects of acetylcholine in the cochlea are blocked by strychnine and we therefore investigated whether strychnine interacts with muscarinic receptors in the cochlea. The effects of strychnine on both (3H)-quinuclidinyl benzylate binding and atropine sensitive carbachol-induced (3H)-inositol phosphate formation were examined. Strychnine (1 to 50 microM) has no effect on either quinuclidinyl benzylate binding or carbachol (1 mM)-induced inositol phosphate synthesis. Moreover, strychnine does not change basal inositol phosphate metabolism. These data indicate that muscarinic receptors are not sensitive to strychnine at concentrations which are known to block the effects of acetylcholine on outer hair cells.

Animals↗

Pathophysiology of the glutamatergic synapses in the cochlea.

The synapses between the inner hair cells (IHCs) and the radial auditory dendrites are thought to be glutamatergic. Besides its fast excitatory properties, glutamate is known to be neurotoxic when released in excess or incompletely recycled. In the cochlea, this may occur in two pathological conditions: ischemia and noise trauma. We have further investigated the acute excitotoxicity (i.e. the swelling of type I afferent dendrites) by electron microscopy processing on guinea pig cochleas after an ischemic exposure lasting 5 to 40 min. The radial auditory dendrites reacted to ischemia in a time-dependent manner, with the swelling extending when the duration of ischemia increased. The type and the specificity of swelling were comparable to what acutely occurs after an exposure to glutamate analogs such as kainic acid or AMPA. A protection against this swelling was obtained by perfusing the cochlea with glutamate antagonists prior to ischemia. DNQX, an antagonist at AMPA/kainate receptors, had a powerful protective effect, and almost complete protection was obtained by perfusing both DNQX and D-AP5 (a NMDA antagonist). The latter results indicate that the two classes of glutamate receptors (AMPA/kainate and NMDA), both found to be electrophysiologically active at the IHC-auditory nerve synapse, are also involved in the excitotoxic processes. In addition, we also report data involving dopamine (its D2 agonist piribedil) a putative neurotransmitter at the lateral efferent synapses, in a postsynaptic protection of primary auditory neurons during transient ischemia. Altogether, these findings constitute a promising pharmacological approach of cochlear pathologies such as neural presbycusis.

Animals↗

Implication of non-NMDA and NMDA receptors in cochlear ischemia.

We have investigated the hypothesis that the acute ischemic swelling of the radial dendrites connected to the inner hair cells (IHCs) is mediated by glutamatergic receptors. In control cochleas, after 20 min ischemia all the dendrites were dramatically swollen. Conversely, after a perfusion of 50 microM 6-7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) before ischemia, most dendrites were protected although those contacting the IHCs on their modiolar side frequently swelled. After 50 microM of D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (D-AP5), no dendrite protection could be obtained. Finally, after DNQX and D-AP5, no dendrite swelling occurred. These results suggest that, in the cochlea, the acute ischemic swelling of dendrites primarily occurs via non-NMDA receptors. However, in radial dendrites contacting the IHCs on their modiolar side, NMDA receptors may contribute to excitotoxicity.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

Co-expression of NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptor mRNAs in cochlear neurones.

The co-expression of NMDAR-1 and GluR1-4 mRNAs in spiral ganglions of rat and guinea-pig cochleas was checked using a non-radioactive in situ hybridization technique. NMDAR-1, GluR2 and GluR3 mRNAs were expressed in the large neurones (type I) of the ganglion which innervate inner hair cells (IHCs), a sensory cell type likely to use an excitatory amino acid as a neurotransmitter. The labelling was very intense with the GluR2 and GluR3 oligoprobes while it remained moderate with the NMDAR-1 oligoprobe. This is consistent with the predominant implication of AMPA/kainate receptors in the physiological and early pathophysiological aspects of the IHC neurotransmission. Spiral ganglion neurones did not express GluR1 and GluR4 mRNAs, but a glial expression of GluR4 mRNAs was observed.

Animals↗

Monoclonal antiidiotypic antibodies against delta opioid receptors as an electron microscopy probe.

Four different rat monoclonal antibodies were produced against delta opioid receptor using an antiidiotypic approach in which antibodies directed against the opioid agonist DADLE were used as immunogen. In the first step, seven hybridomas were selected on the basis of their ability to inhibit the DADLE-anti-DADLE antibody interaction. After purification from ascitic fluids, these monoclonal antibodies were characterized. Four antiidiotypic antibodies, named 5, 11, 16, and 51, directed toward different epitopes, recognized the delta opioid receptor: (i) they bound directly to the NG108-15 cells, (ii) they inhibited the [3H]DADLE binding on the NG108-15 cells, (iii) they immunoprecipitated a 52,500 dalton protein present on the surface of the NG108-15 cells. The four monoclonal antiidiotypic anti-opioid receptor antibodies were used to immunocytologically detect the opioid receptors under light and electron microscopy in the rat spinal cord. The regional distribution of the immunoreactivity corresponded to layers known to be rich delta opioid receptor subtype. Moreover, at the ultrastructural level, the labeling was located mainly on plasma membranes, especially on non-synaptic zones. Our results show that monoclonal antiidiotypic antibodies constitute a valuable tool for visualizing cell surface receptors.

Animals↗

Alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid electrophysiological and neurotoxic effects in the guinea-pig cochlea.

We have recorded cochlear potentials after perilymphatic perfusion of cumulative doses of the excitatory amino acid alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) which selectively recognizes the non-N-methyl-D-aspartate ionotropic receptor formerly known as the quisqualate receptor. Our results show that AMPA (1-80 microM) caused a significant suppression of the amplitude of the compound action potential evoked by acoustic stimulation. A total elimination of this potential at the 100 microM concentration was observed in all animals. In no case was the cochlear microphonic potential, a hair cell receptor potential, affected by AMPA. Histological examinations were performed either at the end of the physiological studies or on cochleas perfused for 10 min with a single dose of AMPA (50 or 100 microM). In both experimental conditions, a selective dendritic swelling or radial afferent nerve endings under the sensory inner hair cells was observed. No damage was found in both types of hair cells supporting cells, lateral and medial efferent fibers and spiral afferent nerve ending on the outer hair cells. The occurrence of the radial dendrite swelling was prevented when 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (500 microM) was perfused in the cochlea 10 min prior, then concomitantly with AMPA. The present study strongly suggests that non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, possibly of the AMPA subtype, are involved in the synaptic transmission between the inner hair cells and the primary auditory neurons. They provide further support for the hypothesis that L-glutamate, or another excitatory amino acid, acts as an inner hair cell neurotransmitter.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Electrophysiological evidence for the presence of NMDA receptors in the guinea pig cochlea.

An excitatory amino acid, possibly L-glutamate, which probably acts as a neurotransmitter at the inner hair cell-afferent fiber synapses in the cochlea. In the present study, we have used an electrophysiological approach to investigate at this level the presence of a major type of excitatory amino acid receptor, namely the glutamatergic receptor for which N-methyl-D-aspartate is a selective agonist. Our results show that, when N-methyl-D-aspartate and the antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate are perfused through the perilymphatic scalae, they induced, by different mechanisms, a significant reduction of the amplitude of the compound action potential and an increase of the N1 latency, both predominant at high intensity tone burst stimulations. No significant difference was found in the presence or absence of Mg2+ in the artificial perilymph used as a vehicle. A further slight N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced decrease of the amplitude of the compound action potential, although non significant, was observed when the Mg2(+)-free perilymph contained 100 or 1000 microM glycine. In all the experimental conditions, no effect was observed on the cochlear microphonic potential. This observation is consistent with an action of N-methyl-D-aspartate and 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate at receptors located on the auditory nerve dendrites contacting the inner hair cells. In conclusion, our results suggest the presence of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the cochlea.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

Immunoelectron microscopic localization of neurotransmitters in the cochlea.

This paper presents the works and methods of our respective laboratories using electron microscopic immunocytochemistry to identify and localize cochlear neurotransmitters. Antibodies to various prospective neurotransmitters and associated enzymes have been used to study the ultrastructural localization of several candidates for olivocochlear efferent neurotransmitters previously suggested by light microscopic immunocytochemistry. Antibodies against enkephalins label lateral olivocochlear efferent fibers. Antibodies against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) (an enzyme marker for acetylcholine) label a major population of both lateral and medial efferent fibers and terminals, whereas antibodies to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) label what might be a small subpopulation of both the lateral and medial efferent systems. The GABA-like immunostained medial efferent fibers are preferentially located in the upper turns of the guinea pig cochlea, particularly the third turn. Immunoelectron microscopy shows that neither GABA nor ChAT immunolabels all medial efferent terminals, regardless of cochlear turn. All the different types of immunolabeled efferent terminals have been observed to make characteristic synaptic contacts; lateral efferent terminals on afferent dendrites and medial efferent terminals on outer hair cells and occasionally on type II afferent dendrites. Other types of contacts involving GABA-like, and sometimes met-enkephalin-like, immunostained fibers are occasionally seen particularly in the upper turns of the cochlea. Immunoelectron microscopic results suggest that both medial and lateral efferent systems might be further subdivided on the basis of differences in neurotransmitters. Future trends of immunocytochemical research on cochlear neurotransmitters are proposed, particularly colocalization studies, which show a complex pattern of coexistence of neurotransmitters in the lateral efferent system.

Animals↗

Ontogeny of glutamate decarboxylase and gamma-aminobutyric acid immunoreactivities in the rat cochlea.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic efferent nerve fibers were studied during the postnatal development of the rat cochlea, using light microscopic immunocytochemical techniques. Antibodies against GABA and its synthesizing enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), were used. Immunoreactivity to GAD is already present at birth (postnatal day 1) and could be found below the inner hair cells of the basal turn. Immunoreactivity progressively extends toward the apical turn until day 3. GAD-like immunoreactivity appears under the outer hair cells on postnatal day 15 and is only found in the upper part of the second turn and in the apical turn. The distribution of GABA-like immunoreactivity closely corresponds to that observed with the anti-glutamate decarboxylase antibody. However, the GABA-like immunoreactivity appears about 1-2 days after GAD-like immunoreactivity. At the beginning of the 3rd postnatal week, an adult pattern of GABA- and GAD-like immunoreactivity is established. These results suggest that GABA, which appears under the inner hair cells largely before the onset of hearing, may play a neurotrophic function during cochlear maturation and participate in the regulation of the first cochlear potentials as soon as they appear.

Aging↗

Immunocytochemical detection of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the postnatal developing rat cochlea.

Using the immunofluorescence technique, three populations of fibers staining for calcitonin gene-related peptide are identified in postnatal developing cochleas and in adult rat cochleas. During the maturation of the cochlea, the immunostaining first appears in the basal turn and then extends toward the apex of the cochlea. The first population of immunostained fibers belongs to the lateral olivocochlear innervation. It is observed at postnatal day 4 within the inner spiral bundle of the organ of Corti. The second population of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunostained fibers belongs to the medial olivocochlear innervation. It is first identified at postnatal day 6 under the outer hair cells, generally in the first row. In the older stages, this population of fibers progressively extends toward the external row of outer hair cells. Finally, the third population of immunostained fibers belongs to the sympathetic supply of the cochlea. They can be identified at postnatal day 6 around the cochlear artery and its branches, and also within the entire modiolus. Our results confirm the presence of calcitonin gene-related peptide in fibers of the lateral and medial efferent innervations of the cochlea. They indicate an early appearance of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the developing cochlea, before the onset of the cochlear function, suggesting for this peptide either a neurotrophic function or a regulation of the early cochlear potentials at the level of the lateral efferent synapses.

Aging↗

Immunocytochemical detection of glutamate decarboxylase in the postnatal developing rat organ of Corti.

Using a fluorescent avidin-biotin technique, we have immunolocalized the GABA synthesizing enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase, in postnatal developing and adult rat organs of Corti. At birth, the glutamate decarboxylase-like immunoreactivity is already present in the basal turn below the inner hair cells, i.e. within lateral olivocochlear efferent fibers of the inner spiral bundle. In the apical turn, the inner spiral bundle displays an immunoreactivity as early as postnatal day 3. Only the outer hair cells of the upper second turn and apex receive fibers immunostained for glutamate decarboxylase that most probably belong to the medial olivocochlear efferent innervation. They first appear at this level at postnatal day 15. Within these two regions of the organ of Corti, the glutamate decarboxylase-like immunoreactivity reaches an adult-like pattern at postnatal days 17-18. These results strengthen the hypothesis that GABA is a putative neurotransmitter that could be used by subpopulations of the two olivocochlear innervations. They also suggest that GABA either plays a neurotrophic function or participates in the regulation of the first cochlear potentials at the level of lateral efferent synapses.

Aging↗

Glutamate neurotoxicity in the cochlea: a possible consequence of ischaemic or anoxic conditions occurring in ageing.

Glutamate is considered to be one of the most common neurotransmitters in the fast excitatory synapses in the central nervous system. On the other hand, its excitotoxic properties are increasingly cited to explain some of the brain damage linked with hypoxia and ischaemia: i.e., those that occur frequently in ageing. An excess release of glutamate could, either directly or indirectly, activate receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, causing ion influxes accompanied by a massive entry of water, which would lead to an acute swelling of dendrites. In addition, calcium influx deregulates calcium homeostasis, which could lead to cell death. In the cochlea, glutamate is now considered to be one of the best candidates to mediate neurotransmission between inner hair cells (IHCs) and the auditory nerve dendrites. Among the variety of anatomical and physiological findings supporting the glutamate hypothesis, is the striking similarity of acute damage in the organ of Corti caused by exposure to a glutamate analogue (kainic acid), or by hypoxia, or even by an intense loud noise. In all cases an immediate swelling is observed, specifically affecting the radial afferents below the IHCs. The best explanation for this swelling is related to glutamate (or glutamate analogue) excitotoxicity. Thus, some of the cochlear damage that occur with ageing, especially the loss of the radial afferent fibres and type I ganglion cells, might well be attributed to glutamate excitotoxicity linked to vascular atrophy. The present paper discusses this hypothesis.

Aging↗

[Immunolocalization of parvalbumin in two glutamatergic cell types of the guinea pig cochlea: inner hair cells and spinal ganglion neurons].

Immunoreactions to a monoclonal antibody raised against parvalbumin, a calcium-binding protein, have been detected in the inner hair cells of the organ of Corti and in the spiral ganglion neurons connected to them (type I neurons). Both cell types probably use an excitatory amino acid as a neurotransmitter (glutamate and/or aspartate). No immunoreactivity was found within the second sensory cell type (outer hair cells) nor in the olivocochlear (efferent) fibers or endings in the cochlea. In the central nervous system, parvalbumin may be involved in calcium-dependent mechanisms leading to neurotransmitter release. It could thus be hypothesized that parvalbumin also have similar implications at the level of the inner hair cell and type I neuron synapses. Additional functions could also be hypothesized for this protein in the cochlea. Within the inner hair cells, parvalbumin may be involved in the ionic regulation following potassium entry during the transduction process. Within type I neurons, by buffering sudden increases in the intracellular calcium concentration, it may allow an adaptation of the firing rate to variations in the intensity of sound stimuli.

Animals↗