Mitochondrial Dynamics in Auditory Sensory Cells

BackgroundThe auditory sensory hair cells convert sound vibrations into neuronal impulses. Excessive loud sound exposure can result in the overproduction of oxidative free radicals by the mitochondria in these cells. This can negatively impact hair cell function and viability leading to permanent loss of hearing sensitivity. The mechanisms that initiate this process are thought to include ischemia/reperfusion injury as well as metabolic overstimulation. Despite the importance of auditory hair cells, the basic physiology of the mitochondria in these cells is relatively unknown. Further, whether mitochondrial dynamics and spatial localization are altered to respond to increased energy needs of the cells with loud sound exposure has not been well-characterized. ObjectiveIn this study, our goal was to characterize mitochondrial morphology and spatial distribution in auditory cells under normal and loud sound induced stress conditions. Methods and ResultsTo examine mitochondria in outer hair cells (OHCs), PhAM...