The mitochondrial connection in auditory neuropathy.
'Auditory neuropathy' (AN), the term used to codify a primary degeneration of the auditory nerve, can be linked directly or indirectly to mitochondrial dysfunction. These observations are based on the expression of AN in known mitochondrial-based neurological diseases (Friedreich's ataxia, Mohr-Tranebjærg syndrome), in conditions where defects in axonal transport, protein trafficking, and fusion processes perturb and/or disrupt mitochondrial dynamics (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, autosomal dominant optic atrophy), in a common neonatal condition known to be toxic to mitochondria (hyperbilirubinemia), and where respiratory chain deficiencies produce reductions in oxidative phosphorylation that adversely affect peripheral auditory mechanisms. This body of evidence is solidified by data derived from temporal bone and genetic studies, biochemical, molecular biologic, behavioral, electroacoustic, and electrophysiological investigations.
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich 48202, USA. cacacea @ wayne.edu
Anthony T
AT
Cacace
Joaquim M B
JM
Pinheiro
D006313:Hearing Loss, Central / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D028361:Mitochondrial Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009410:Nerve Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism