Mechanoelectric transduction by hair cells

Article Abstract:

Inner ear hair cells are interconnected specialized columnar epithelial cells with an array of stereocilia on the apical surface. Energy transduction occurs when the stereocilia are mechanically deflected causing ion channels to open and depolarize the cell. In the biophysical model of transduction, each ion channel is pulled open by a 'gating spring,' whose tension affects the energy profile of the system. In the kinetic model, the stiffness of the bundle is correlated with the opening of the ion channels. In another transduction model, specialized intercellular connections called tip links act as the gating spring which pulls directly on the ion channels.

Research, Models, Cellular signal transduction, Labyrinth (Ear), Cilia and ciliary motion, Cilia

---

Calcium-current facilitation in chromaffin cells

Article Abstract:

Bias has been observed in an article on calcium-current facilitation in chromaffin cells. The hypothesis states that L-type current of bovine chromaffin cells is normally quiescent at resting potentials but can be activated by depolarizing prepulses, repetitive depolarizations or activation of Dl dopamine. An alternative explanation has been proposed based on the evidence that the voltage-dependence of calcium channel facilitation in chromaffin cells is derived from removal of the inhibition of non-L-type channels.

Physiological aspects, Calcium channels, Letter to the Editor, Chromaffin cells

---

VENT cells: a fresh breeze in a stuffy field?

Article Abstract:

Research by G.S. Sohal and colleagues on ventrally emigrating neural tube cells is discussed. Topics include whether cells migrate from the ventral neural epithelium, whether 'neural-crest cells' refer to any neuroepithelial cells that escape, and the developmental plasticity of neural epithelial cells.

Neural crest, Developmental neurology, Neural tube

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Modern applications of traditional sanctions. Risk assessment and offender-victim relationship in juvenile offenders
• Abstracts: A faster transduction mechanism for the cochlear amplifier? Neurotrophins gain a hearing. Active forces in hearing
• Abstracts: Emergency psychiatric assessment of violence. Psychiatric complications in a patient with complex partial seizures
• Abstracts: Psychiatric status of adolescents who had extreme temperaments at age 7. The future of medical education and teaching: a psychiatric perspective
• Abstracts: Adapting to the transition from socialism to capitalism in Poland: the role of screening strategies in social change

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.