Ion zinc has been studied in the last decades, mainly concerning its presence and role in the Central Nervous System physiology. It has been well described in some cortical, cerebellar and limbic regions, as well as in the cochlea and cochlear nuclei. It seems that the ion acts associated with the neurotransmitter glutamate, as a synaptic modulator; it also takes part in the protection against free radicals. It is believed that alterations in the systemic levels of zinc can lead to disorders on the auditory pathways, such as tinnitus or presbycusis. The authors present a review about this topic.
zinc; auditory system; cochlea; cochlear nuclei