Analysis of BDNF production in the aging gerbil cochlea

Degeneration of cochlear neurons is the most commonly observed cellular cha nge in the aging human and gerbil cochlea. Although it is unclear what lead s to this neuronal loss, changes in the production of target-derived trophi c factors may be the ultimate cause of cochlear neuron degeneration. The pr esent study used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to investigate whethe r BDNF is produced by the organ of Corti or cochlear ganglia of young, midd le aged, or aged gerbils. The results revealed an age-related increase in B DNF in the organ of Corti, but not in the cochlear ganglia. (C) 2000 Academ ic Press.