Age-Related Neurochemical Changes in the Vestibular Nuclei

摘要: There is evidence that the normal aging process associated with impaired vestibulo-ocular (VOR) and vestibulo-spinal reflexes, causing reduced visual acuity postural instability. Nonetheless, available not entirely consistent, especially respect to VOR. Some recent studies have reported VOR gain can be intact even above 80 years of age. Similarly, although there for age-related hair cell loss neuronal in Scarpa’s ganglion vestibular nucleus complex (VNC), it consistent. Whatever structural functional changes occur VNC as a result aging, either cause impairment or compensate it, neurochemical must underlie them. However, are poorly understood because literature very limited. This review summarises critically evaluates relating noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, GABA, glycine, nitric oxide neurotransmitter systems VNC. It concluded that, at present, difficult, if impossible, relate observed function specific neurons whether deficit an effect it. A better understanding during may important development potential drug treatments disorders. this will require use more sophisticated methodology such vivo microdialysis single neuron recording perhaps new technologies optogenetics.