Evidence of Key Tinnitus-Related Brain Regions Documented by a Unique Combination of Manganese-Enhanced MRI and Acoustic Startle Reflex Testing

Authors: Avril Genene Holt, David Bissig, Najab Mirza, Gary Rajah, Bruce Berkowitz

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014260

Abstract Summary

Researchers combined behavioral testing and manganese-enhanced MRI to identify brain biomarkers in rat tinnitus models. Both salicylate- and noise-induced tinnitus showed abnormal neuronal activity in the inferior colliculus, suggesting this region plays a key role in tinnitus. This breakthrough provides new tools for tracking tinnitus severity and testing treatments in animal studies.

Why Brain? 🧠

Study identifies inferior colliculus as key brain region in tinnitus using novel imaging technique, providing new biomarker for testing treatments in animal models and understanding tinnitus mechanisms.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.