Distinct forms of synaptic plasticity during ascending vs descending control of medial olivocochlear efferent neurons

Activity in each brain region is shaped by the convergence of ascending and descending axonal pathways, and the balance and characteristics of these determine the neural output. The medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent system is part of a reflex arc that critically controls auditory sensitivity. Multiple central pathways contact MOC neurons, raising the question of how a reflex arc could be engaged by diverse inputs. We examined functional properties of synapses onto brainstem MOC neurons from ascending (ventral cochlear nucleus, VCN) and descending (inferior colliculus, IC) sources in mice using an optogenetic approach. We found that these pathways exhibited opposing forms of short-term plasticity, with the VCN input showing depression and the IC input showing marked facilitation. By using a conductance-clamp approach, we found that combinations of facilitating and depressing inputs enabled firing of MOC neurons over a surprisingly wide dynamic range, suggesting an essential role for descending signaling to a brainstem nucleus.

Automated summary

Activity in each brain region is influenced by the convergence of ascending and descending axonal pathways, with the medial olivocochlear efferent system playing a critical role in auditory sensitivity control. Different pathways onto brainstem MOC neurons exhibit opposing forms of short-term plasticity, with some showing depression and others showing facilitation. Combining facilitating and depressing inputs enables firing of MOC neurons across a wide dynamic range, highlighting the importance of descending signaling to brainstem nuclei.