Abstract

Unipolar brush cells (UBCs) reside in the mammalian vestibulo-cerebellum and the ventral (VCN) and, particularly, dorsal cochlear nuclei (DCN). Human cerebellar UBCs are numerous too, but auditory UBCs have escaped detection. The human DCN, considered a degenerated structure, lost lamination and possibly neurons common in lower mammals, like UBCs. We searched for human auditory UBCs probing their immunoreactivity against the calcium-binding protein calretinin (CR-IR), and a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR2/3-IR). We found: UBCs are constituents of the human DCN and VCN, though in small numbers. These auditory UBCs are not CR-IR, in contrast to human cerebellar UBCs and cerebellar and auditory UBCs in non-primate mammals, but display mGluR2/3-IR. The human DCN, thus, appears more complete than previously thought. This may be of interest regarding auditory brainstem electrode implantations in deaf patients.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.