Chemogenetic Inhibition Of The Inferior Colliculus: Effects On Electrophysiology And Behavior

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) or presbycusis has grown to be a prevalent problem among the increasing aging population over the past century. Efficacy of hearing aids, cochlear implants or auditory brainstem implants have been shown, but with variable performance among patients, a fuller understanding of the complex circuitry of the auditory system would be beneficial for improving upon current technology as well as developing alternative treatments. In the current study, chemogenetics or DREADDs was utilized to inhibit the neuronal activity of the pathway between the medial geniculate body and the inferior colliculus. Subsequent effects of chemogenetic inhibition was assessed with electrophysiological measures– including auditory evoked potential recordings and single-unit recordings–as well as behavioral measures using the acoustic startle response and prepulse inhibition paradigm.