Synaptic plasticity in inhibitory neurons of the auditory brainstem

There is a growing appreciation of synaptic plasticity in the early levels of auditory processing, and particularly of its role in inhibitory circuits. Synaptic strength in auditory brainstem and midbrain is sensitive to standard protocols for induction of long-term depression, potentiation, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity. Differential forms of plasticity are operative at synapses onto inhibitory versus excitatory neurons within a circuit, and together these could serve to tune circuits involved in sound localization or multisensory integration. Such activity-dependent control of synaptic function in inhibitory neurons may also be expressed after hearing loss and could underlie persistent neuronal activity in patients with tinnitus.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled ‘Synaptic Plasticity & Interneurons’.

Research highlights► Overviews where and why synaptic plasticity is found in multiple auditory pathways. ► Details forms of plasticity related to synaptic inhibition in the dorsal cochlear nucleus. ► Examines short- and long-term plasticity in superior olivary complex development and processing. ► Describes how plasticity may be related to central neurological disorders such as tinnitus.