Brainstem auditory response in the reserpinized rat.
The brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) is a brief, low-level response that reflexes the brainstem transmission of auditory signals. The presence of catecholamines (CA) has been reported in cochlea and auditory pathway. However, the role of CA in the BAEP pattern is unknown. Five Wistar rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital (50 mg/kg; i.p.), in order to record BAEP using one active needle electrode placed on vertex. The common and ground electrodes were located on the opposite ear. Auditory stimuli consisted of alternated loudspeaker clicks given at 70 cm in front of the animal's head. After that a basal record was taken, reserpine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected and BAEP was recorded every 15 min for 75 min. Results showed that reserpine increased latency in waves III, IV and V. These results suggest that dopamine and norepinephrine are involved in the electrical transmission at the superior olivary complex, lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus levels.
Morales-Martinez
José De Jesús
Jde J
Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Auditiva, CNR-InCH, México City. j1503@hotmail.com
González-Piña
Rigoberto
R
Alfaro-Rodríguez
Alfonso
A
D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001306:Auditory Pathways / Q000187:drug effects; D002138:Calibration; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012110:Reserpine / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D012110:Reserpine