The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid/glycinergic synaptic transmission in mediating bilirubin-induced hyperexcitation in developing auditory neurons.

•Bilirubin facilitates GABA/Glycinergic synaptic transmission in both bushy and stellate cells in VCN of P2-6 rats.•Bilirubin-induced enhancement of GABA/Glycinergic transmission is Ca2+-dependent.•Excitatory action of GABA/Glycinergic transmissions in early development is engaged in bilirubin-induced hyperexcitation and potentially contribute to high vulnerability of developing neurons to bilirubin.