LOCALIZATION OF NICOTINIC RECEPTORS ON HAIR CELLS AND AFFERENTS OF THE TURTLE SEMICIRCULAR CANAL

A distinct alpha9 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) may mediate the inhibition of type II hair cells in the turtle posterior crista. This project aims to localize these nAChRs in the hair cell layer with the use of commercial antibodies and fluorophore-conjugated nicotinic antagonists (e.g., alpha-bungarotoxin). An additional goal has been the optimization and development of protocols for this specific purpose. Identification and visualization of these nAChRs will provide greater insight into the complex neural pharmacology of the inner ear