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Convergence of limb, visceral, and vertical semicircular canal or otolith inputs onto vestibular nucleus neuronsThe major goal of this study was to determine the patterns of convergence of non-labyrinthine inputs from the limbs and viscera onto vestibular nucleus neurons receiving signals from vertical semicircular canals or otolith organs. A secondary aim was to ascertain whether the effects of non-labyrinthine inputs on the activity of vestibular nucleus neurons is affected by bilateral peripheral vestibular lesions. The majority (72%) of vestibular nucleus neurons in labyrinth-intact animals whose firing was modulated by vertical rotations responded to electrical stimulation of limb and/or visceral nerves. The activity of even more vestibular nucleus neurons (93%) was affected by limb or visceral nerve stimulation in chronically labyrinthectomized preparations. Some neurons received non-labyrinthine inputs from a variety of peripheral sources, including antagonist muscles acting at the same joint, whereas others received inputs from more limited sources. There was no apparent relationship between the spatial and dynamic properties of a neuron's responses to tilts in vertical planes and the non-labyrinthine inputs that it received. These data suggest that non-labyrinthine inputs elicited during movement will modulate the processing of information by the central vestibular system, and may contribute to the recovery of spontaneous activity of vestibular nucleus neurons following peripheral vestibular lesions. Furthermore, some vestibular nucleus neurons with non-labyrinthine inputs may be activated only during particular behaviors that elicit a specific combination of limb and visceral inputs.
Document ID
20040088324
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Jian, B. J.
(Eye and Ear Institute Room 106, 203 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States)
Shintani, T.
Emanuel, B. A.
Yates, B. J.
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 2002
Publication Information
Publication: Experimental brain research. Experimentelle Hirnforschung. Experimentation cerebrale
Volume: 144
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0014-4819
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: R01-DC03732
CONTRACT_GRANT: P01-DC03417
CONTRACT_GRANT: R01-DC00693
CONTRACT_GRANT: EY-08098
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
NASA Discipline Developmental Biology
Non-NASA Center

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