Neurotransmitters in the Cochlea and the Cochlear Nucleus

Abstract

The inhibitory efferent transmitter in the cochlea is most likely acetylcholine. the afferent transmitter (between hair cells and primary afferent fibres) is not known. There is some evidence for glutamate (or asparate) but the high concentrations necessary to activate the afferents when these amino-acids are applied intracoch-learly may indicate that their effect is unspecific. a number of other transmitter candidates can be safely ruled out at these synapses. in the cochlear nucleus the transmitter between primary afferents and secondary cells is probably glutamate (or aspartate).