Auditory research from the sleeper goby to zebrafish.

Abstract

This presentation covers neural coding of acoustic particle motion by a hearing generalist (the sleeper goby, Dominator latifons) and research transition to a hearing specialist (the zebrafish, Danio rerio). Unlike sound pressure, particle motion, a component associated with sound pressure in any sound wave, provides the directional information about sound source. In recent years progress has been made in neural representation of acoustic particle motion by several hearing generalists that are primarily sensitive to the particle motion mode of sound. Here a review will be given on single‐unit physiology of octavolateral afferent and efferent neurons as well as neurons in the descending octaval nucleus of the sleeper goby in response to linear acceleration that simulates underwater acoustic particle motion, providing insights into their functions. In the second half of the presentation, two preliminary projects in my lab will be introduced using the zebrafish that has become an increasingly important vertebrate model organism for biomedical research. The projects are development of the auditory function of zebrafish and alcohol effects on the octavolateral system of zebrafish. Advantages and disadvantages of different fish models will be discussed. [Work supported by NIH/NIDCD R01DC003275 and Gabelli Fellowship.]