Single Unit Study of the Cochlear Nucleus in the Mouse

Abstract

Single unit study of the cochlear nucleus complex in the mouse was performed. Two types of units were encountered which differed in their tuning curves, their threshold excitability and their response to increasing sound stimulation. The findings suggest that a type I unit conveys information concerning the frequency of a tone and the type II unit the intensity of the stimulating sound. Inhibition with two tone interaction was shown to exist in type I units. Attempts were made to determine the mode of inhibition in peripheral auditory units. Inhibitory interbeat tracking by units indicates a neural mechanism for the inhibition encountered in peripheral auditory units seen during two tone interaction.