Sensory Hair Cells

This monograph summarizes the results of the authors' own in­ vestigations as well as relevant literature data about the mechanism of synaptic transmission in sensory hair cells of the acousticolater­ al system. It deals mainly with primary processes in hair cells. Ad­ ditionally, data on the properties and selectivity of various ionic channels are presented, with data concerning the mechanism of release of the neurotransmitter from the hair cell and the proper­ ties of postsynaptic responses of afferent fibres. The role of ex­ citatory amino acids in synaptic transmission is analyzed. This book gives a comprehensive overview of current research on synaptic transmission in sensory hair cells, which should be valuable to both those in the field and neuroscientists of various disciplines. St. Petersburg, January 1993 G.N. Akoev G. N. Andrianov Table of Contents Introduction ...................................... . Chapter 1 Anatomy of the Mecha- and Electroreceptors of the Acousticolateral System 3 1.1 The Organ of Corti ............................ 3 1.2 Semicircular Canals ............................ 8 1.3 The Otolith Organs ............................ 11 1.4 Lateral-Line Organs ............................ 15 1.5 Electroreceptors ............................... 20 1.5.1 Ampullary Receptors ........................... 21 1.5.2 Tuberous Receptors ............................ 26 Chapter 2 Electrophysiological Analysis of Synaptic lhlnsmission in Hair Cells ................ 33 2.1 Electrical Characteristics of Hair Cells.