Integration of Nonlabyrinthine Inputs by the Vestibular System: Role in Compensation Following Bilateral Damage to the Inner Ear

摘要: Inputs from the skin and muscles of limbs trunk as well viscera are relayed to medial, inferior, lateral vestibular nuclei. Vestibular nucleus neurons very quickly regain spontaneous activity following a bilateral neurectomy, presumably due presence such nonlabyrinthine inputs. The firing small fraction in animals lacking labyrinthine inputs can be modulated by whole-body tilts; these responses eliminated spinal transection, showing that they predominantly elicited limbs. ability adjust blood distribution body maintain stable pressure during movement is diminished but compensation occurs within week. However, lesions caudal portions nuclei produce severe long-lasting cardiovascular disturbances postural alterations, suggesting signals essential for posturally-related autonomic occur. Despite observations, functional significance central system remains unclear, either modulating processing or compensating their loss.