Plasticity at the axon initial segment in auditory neurons

轴突初始段（Axon initial segment， AIS）是决定神经活动的最关键部位。在这个项目中，我研究了禽类脑干听觉神经元AIS的可塑性特性，发现听觉输入的剥夺会使AIS重新排列，增加其长度，从而增加神经元的兴奋性。这种突起起始位点的可塑性可能是调控神经活动的最有效机制，并可能在听力损失后听觉通路的维持中发挥关键作用。

Axon initial segment (AIS) is the most critical site to determine the neural activity. In this project, I examined the properties of plasticity of AIS in avian brainstem auditory neurons and found that the deprivation of auditory inputs rearranges the AIS to increase its length, leading to augment the excitability of the neuron. This plasticity at the spike initiation site should be a most efficient mechanism to regulate the neural activity, and may play a critical role in the maintenance of auditory pathway after hearing loss.