Auditory-evoked brainstem responses in the hibernating woodchuck Marmota monax

Abstract

1. This study measured the changes in the auditory-evoked brainstem responses in the woodchuck (Marmota monax) during hibernation and arousal. 2. The auditory brainstem response of the euthermic woodchuck consisted of four waves occurring in a 10 msec time window after stimulation. 3. In the hibernating woodchuck, waves I and II could be traced down to the lowest body temperatures. 4. As temperatures increased all the components of the ABR emerged. The latencies of all the waves showed systematic decrease with temperature increments, the effect being cumulative across the time window. 5. These findings reflect activity in the VIIIth cranial nerve and the cochlear nuclei during hibernation and restoration of the functional integrity of the brainstem auditory pathway during arousal.