| Studies in this dissertation have tested the hypothesis that age-related hearing loss may in part be the result of a selective loss of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC), a critical central auditory nucleus. Presynaptic processes pertaining to the release, synthesis, uptake and degradation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) were compared with the excitant amino acids glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp) as well as acetylcholine (ACh), in young (3-7 mo), intermediate (15-17 mo) and aged (20-26 mo) Fischer-344 rats. The present study revealed a significant and relatively selective loss of GABA in the CIC with aging. Age-related deficits in GABA were reflected in decreased basal and potassium (K... |
