Topic: auditory brainstem

Implementing bioinspired neural networks in silico is a powerful tool for studying brain processes. These networks grant access to the real-time behavior of individual neurons within a complex circuitry, such as the ones executing neurosensory functions. This study proposes a computational model to study how the mammalian brainstem implements sound localization: the ability to identify an acoustic source in the surrounding space. The main actors in sound localization are two brainstem nuclei: the medial and the lateral superior olive. We have reconstructed a model made of thousands of spiking

An exquisite characteristic of the auditory system is its ability to sense a large range of sound intensities from whispers to loud alarm sounds, covering 6 orders of magnitude in acoustic pressure. Deficits of sound intensity processing may lead to hearing loss and/or major auditory perception distortions like tinnitus, the perception of phantom sounds, or hyperacusis, a reduced tolerance for moderate sound levels. Audiogenic seizures, reflex seizures induced by loud sounds, are a common feature of many mouse models for central nervous system disorders and may be seen as a model of auditory h

Pregnant women at risk of premature labor receive a single treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) between the 24th and 34th week of pregnancy to ensure adequate maturation of the fetal organs. Due to the postponement of the due date, several doses are often administered. Because purinergic signaling plays an important role in the development of the auditory brainstem, particularly the cochlear nucleus, we investigated whether repeated DEX treatments affect components of the ADP-mediated (NTPDase2 and P2Y1R) and adenosinergic (CD73 and A1R) signaling systems. To compare