Confocal microscope for the investigation of hearing loss, otoprotection, and tinnitus
Abstract
Abstract Hearing loss and tinnitus are major problems for sailors and veterans due to intense or prolonged high-level noise exposure inherent in military settings. Harmful noise levels are also prevalent in occupational and recreational settings causing permanent hearing loss in ~30 million Americans. These noise exposures kill specialized sensory cells (called hair cells) found in the inner ear’s cochlea, as well as damage other essential auditory structures. They can also alter brain circuits necessary for hearing and speech understanding. In addition, high-level noise exposure is the most common cause of tinnitus. Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (SIUSOM) has 6 auditory research labs studying hearing loss, otoprotection, and tinnitus. These longstanding labs are well-funded and headed by PIs considered leaders in their field. Specific research focuses on 1) the prevention of hearing loss through pharmacologic otoprotection using D-methionine, transplatin, or capsacin; 2) hair cell regeneration as a treatment strategy for hearing loss; and 3) tinnitus pathophysiology and drug treatments strategies. Confocal imaging is essential for many of the experiments performed by these auditory research labs. This proposal requests the purchase of a state-of-the-art confocal microscope with powerful lasers and enhanced optics, specifically the Zeiss Laser Scanning Microscope (LSM) 700. The current confocal available at SIUSOM has weak laser intensity limiting our ability to obtain high quality images. The lack of sensitivity also creates the possibility of incorrect conclusions which negatively impacts our research. Improved sensitivity and resolution provided by the Zeiss LSM 700 confocal would greatly enhance the quality of auditory research being conducted at SIUSOM. The requested confocal will also be used for educational purposes to train Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellows who are currently working in SIUSOM auditory research labs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512866
Entities
People
- Brandon C Cox
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Southern Illinois University
- United States Navy