Temperature-dependence of a fast motile response in isolated outer hair cells of the guinea-pig cochlea.
Isolated outer hair cells (OHC) of the cochlea exhibit a motility which can be driven at acoustic frequencies (Ashmore, 1987). The temperature-dependence of the movement is reported here for the range 20-37 degrees C. OHC are shown to be motile at 37 degrees C. The temperature-dependence is quite weak, with Q10 = 1.33. The observation is difficult to reconcile with mechanisms involving an intermediate biochemical messenger, including those based on actomyosin.
Ashmore
J F
JF
Department of Physiology, Medical School, University Walk, Bristol.
Holley
M C
MC
D000818:Animals; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000502:physiology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007700:Kinetics; D009068:Movement; D013696:Temperature