A comparison of brainstem, whole-nerve AP and single-fiber tuning curves in the gerbil: normative data.

Tuning curves were obtained from brainstem responses (BSRs) and whole-nerve action potential (AP) responses of gerbils using a forward masking procedure. These are compared with single-fiber tuning curves of the gerbil. The broadness of the tips, tip-to-tail ratios and the slopes of the high frequency sides of the BSR tuning curves are similar to those of the AP curves for probe frequencies ranging from 1 to 8 kHz. Also, the BSR and AP curves share a number of characteristics with single-fiber tuning curves. These results suggest that, like the AP, components of the BSR can be used to measure frequency selectivity in the periphery of an intact auditory system.