Density of motility-related charge in the outer hair cell of the guinea pig is inversely related to best frequency.

摘要: Whole cell voltage clamp and freeze fracture were used to study the electrophysiological ultrastructural correlates of outer hair (OHC) lateral membrane molecular motors. We find that specific voltage-dependent capacitance, which derives from motility-related charge movement, increases as length decreases. This increasing non-linear density predicts a corresponding increase in sensor-motor density. However, while OHC particle increases, quantitative correspondence is absent. Thus, presumed equivalence motor questionable. The data more importantly indicate whereas driving motility, i.e. receptor potential, may decrease with frequency due OHC's low-pass filter, electrical energy (Q x V) supplied will tend remain stable. conservation delivery likely crucial for function cochlear amplifier at high frequencies.