Central projections of primary vestibular fibers in the bullfrog: I. The vestibular nuclei

The central projections of the vestibular end organs in the bullfrog Rana calesbeiana were analyzed by using horseradish peroxidase labeling of the primary vestibular afferents. Separate extracellular injections were made of the anterior branch, the posterior branch, the ampullary nerve of each of the three semicircular canals, and the branch to the saccule. The anterior and posterior branches of the bullfrog eighth nerve, each containing both vestibular and auditory fibers, merge and enter the brain stem as a single nerve root. The thin caliber fibers of the anterior branch enter the brain stem on the ventral-posterior aspect of the nerve and immediately divide dichotomously into ascending (rostral) and descending (caudal) branches. The thick caliber fibers of the anterior branch enter the brain stem on the ventral-anterior aspect of the eighth nerve and traverse medially into the alar plate before dividing into ascending and descending branches. The primary afferent fibers of the vestibular nerve innervate an ipsilateral area of the brain stem which extends caudally from the rhombencephalon at the level of the twelfth nerve nucleus and rostrally up to and including the cerebellar nucleus and the cerebellum. The following vestibular nuclei can be identified by the fact that they receive primary vestibular afferents: the ventral vestibular nucleus, medial vestibular nucleus, descending vestibular nucleus, superior vestibular nucleus, and cerebellar nucleus. The dorsal (acoustic) nucleus, which receives primary auditory input, also receives afferents from the saccule. In addition to these nuclei, the cerebellum and the reticular formation receive significant primary input from the various vestibular receptors. The primary vestibulo-cerebellar fibers terminate mainly among the granular cells of the lobus auricularis and of the corpus cerebelli on the ipsilateral side. Each of the three semicircular canals projects into the cerebellum, while no such projection was observed in the saccular nerve preparations. Fibers from each of the three semicircular canals project to all of the vestibular nuclei. Heavily labeled large neurons, presumably vestibular efferents, are seen in the ipsilateral reticular formation, adjacent to the seventh motor nucleus.     

Central projections from singular parts of the vestibular labyrinth in the guinea pig.

Primary afferent projections from singular parts of the vestibular labyrinth were studied in the guinea pig. The posterior ampullary nerve, the common trunk of the anterior and lateral ampullary nerves, as well as fibers innervating the macula sacculi or the macula utriculi were traced with crystals of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) lyophilisate. Posterior, as well as anterior and lateral ampullary fibers were found to project extensively to the superior vestibular nucleus, but also reached the other main vestibular nuclei. Saccular fibers projected mainly to the lateral parts of the lateral vestibular nucleus and to the adjoining descending and superior vestibular nuclei as well as to group y. Modest projections could be followed to the medial vestibular nucleus. Furthermore, a distinct saccular projection to the cochlear nuclei was evident. Utricular projections reached the four main vestibular nuclei with a denser accumulation of fibers within ventral parts of the lateral, descending and superior vestibular nuclei.     

Central projections of primary vestibular fibers in the bullfrog. III. The anterior semicircular canal afferents

A study was made of the projection patterns in the vestibular nuclei of primary afferent fibers innervating the crista of the anterior semicircular canal (ASC) of the bullfrog. Individual neurons were intracellularly recorded to characterize their spontaneous activity and injected with horseradish peroxidase to visualize their central and peripheral projections. A quantitative evaluation was made of the lengths of the central projections of primary afferents in the various vestibular nuclei and of the number of branch terminals and their precise locations in each of the major vestibular projection areas in the brain stem. The differences between the central projection patterns of the two types of primary afferent fibers were documented: the thick fibers with their irregular spontaneous activity and the thin fibers with their more regular spontaneous activity. Each neuron sends many terminals to various vestibular nuclei. The ventral part of the ventral nucleus receives the greatest number of terminals from fibers of all sizes. The medial nucleus receives terminals from the thin fibers only, while the reticular formation receives terminals exclusively from the thick fibers. All the vestibular nuclei receive innervation from ASC afferents, with considerable overlap in areas of innervation between fibers of different caliber. Differences were found between the thick and thin fibers in their locations, their patterns of branching, and the appearance of their terminal boutons. These anatomic characteristics are interpreted to represent physiologic differences in the production of reflexes by thick and thin neurons. It is also postulated that these different neurons play different roles in vestibular system function: thick neurons contribute to the maintenance of equilibrium during movement while thin neurons participate in the maintenance of posture and vestibular tonus.     

Central projections of primary vestibular fibers in the bullfrog. II. Nerve branches from individual receptors

The fibers from the nerves innervating each of the three semicircular canals and the saccule were labeled by injecting horseradish peroxidase extracellularly into these nerves. The projections into the various vestibular nuclei of each receptor were studied in transverse sections of the brain stem throughout the vestibular nuclear area. All five vestibular nuclei receive primary afferents throughout their areas. There are differences in the projection patterns of the canals. In the superior and ventral vestibular nuclei, the location of the projections depends on the crista injected. The anterior canal projects ventrally, the horizontal canal centrally, and the posterior canal more dorsally. Each canal, however, sends fibers to all areas, with overlap of fibers from the different cristae. The cerebellar nucleus receives uniform innervation from the three canals. The medial vestibular nucleus in the rostral and caudal areas receives only thin fibers from each canal, with considerable overlap. The descending nucleus in the rostral and caudal areas receives innervation from the cristae, also with considerable overlap, but with greater intensity in the ventral part of the caudal portion of the nucleus. Each crista sends fibers to the cerebellar granular layer and to the base of the cerebellar Purkinje cell layer. These fibers also innervate the reticular formation below the entry zone of the eighth nerve. The saccule innervates both the dorsal (acoustic) and the ventral nuclei, the latter in the most dorsal position. The innervation of the utricle could be ascertained only in the middle section of the descending and the medial nuclei, an area which does not receive significant innervation from the cristae. Primary afferent fibers course in the vestibular tract, forming a longitudinal bundle lateral to the vestibular nuclei. In the bundle the larger fibers are medially situated.     

Primary vestibular projections in the chinchilla

The central projections of fibers from the vestibular nerve were studied in 19 chinchillas after horseradish peroxidase labelling. In addition, the limits of the vestibular nuclei and the anatomical characteristics of their neurons were also studied. All five vestibular nuclei received primary afferents, but there were extensive areas of them that received very little or no projections at all, such as the rostral part of the superior vestibular nucleus, the dorsocaudal part of the lateral vestibular nucleus, the caudal half of the medial vestibular nucleus and the caudalmost aspect of the dorsal vestibular nucleus.     

Primary vestibular projections in the chinchilla

Summary The central projections of fibers from the vestibular nerve were studied in 19 chinchillas after horseradish peroxidase labelling. In addition, the limits of the vestibular nuclei and the anatomical characteristics of their neurons were also studied. All five vestibular nuclei received primary afferents, but there were extensive areas of them that received very little or no projections at all, such as the rostral part of the superior vestibular nucleus, the dorsocaudal part of the lateral vestibular nucleus, the caudal half of the medial vestibular nucleus and the caudalmost aspect of the dorsal vestibular nucleus.Presented at the First European Congress of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Cervico-Facial Surgery, Paris, 26–29 September 1988     

Expression of glutamate receptors and potassium channels in vestibular nuclei neurons during development of signal processing

The principal cells of the chick tangential vestibular nucleus offer a simple neuron model to study signal processing in second-order, vestibular reflex projection neurons. The principal cells represent a relatively uniform population of vestibular nuclei neurons which receive a major input from the primary vestibular fibers and send axons to targets mainly involved in the vestibuloocular reflexes. Here, studies performed on ion channels involved in the emergence and establishment of signal processing in this morphologically-identified subset of vestibular nuclei neurons are reviewed, including the AMPA glutamate receptor subunits GluR1, GluR2, GluR3, and GluR4 and the potassium channel subunits Kv1.1 and Kv1.2.     

Eighth nerve auditory evoked responses recorded at the base of the vestibular nucleus in the guinea pig

Anatomical and physiological studies of brainstem acoustic nuclei involving the classical ascending auditory pathway or the cerebellar and reticular pathways imply that all afferents from the cochlea terminate in the cochlear nucleus. In the experimental pathology of complete and selective destruction of the cochlea in the guinea pig acoustic responses still evoked at mid and high intensities, demonstrated to come from the saccule, show a pattern of far field evoked brainstem potentials quite different from that of normal animals. Intracranial electrophysiological investigations of the brainstem were undertaken in such pathological animals and in normal guinea pigs for comparison. In both cases acoustic responses were recorded at the base of the vestibular nucleus, showing a first peak corresponding to an eighth nerve projection and after a synaptic delay a second peak of local activation. In normal animals acoustic responses from the vestibular nucleus showing normal threshold and tuning curves may represent a direct projection from the cochlea.     

Central distribution of vestibular afferents that innervate the anterior or lateral semicircular canal in the mongolian gerbil

The central distribution of afferents that innervate the crista ampullaris of the anterior or lateral semicircular canals was determined in gerbils following the direct injection of tracers into one sensory neuroepithelia. Labeled somata were scattered throughout the superior ganglion. The central distribution of fibers demonstrated extensive overlap. The central branch of afferents innervating either canal was located in the rostral part of the nerve. Nerve fibers divided into ascending and descending branches. Ascending branch ramifications terminated in the superior vestibular nucleus, the magnocellular and parvicellular medial vestibular nuclei, and the cerebellum. Cerebellar terminal areas include the flocculus, nodulus and uvula. Descending branch ramifications terminated in the caudal medial, parvicellular medial and descending vestibular nuclei, and the nucleus prepositus hypoglossi. Lateral canal afferents terminated sparsely in nucleus cuneatus. The anterior canal had sparse innervation in the paratrigeminal and gigantocellular reticular formation. This study has shown many similarities in the central distribution of fibers that innervate the anterior and lateral canals and a few areas of segregated input. Projections outside the vestibular nuclei are more extensive than previously determined, including afferents to prepositus hypoglossi, cochlear nuclei, and reticular formation. Projections to the flocculus appear as numerous as those to the vermis.     

Localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivities in the vestibular nuclei of the rat by light and electron microscopic studies

The distribution and fine structure of calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive (CGRP-LI) cells and fibers in the vestibular nuclei of the rat were investigated by light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. In addition to the previous report that CGRP-LI cells were found in the lateral vestibular nucleus, the present study clarified that they are found also in the inferior vestibular nucleus, medial vestibular nucleus and nucleus X. The lateral vestibular nucleus contains a high density of CGRP-LI cells. They are medium in size and multipolar in shape. CGRP-LI cells in the inferior vestibular nucleus are small to medium in size and triangular or pea shaped. CGRP-LI cells in the medial vestibular nucleus and nucleus X are both few in number and small in size. Possible colocalization of CGRP with acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid or substance P in the single neuron of the vestibular nuclei might be suggested. CGRP-LI fibers are more extensively distributed in various areas throughout the vestibular nuclei, though previous studies reported that they were found in the lateral vestibular nucleus and inferior vestibular nucleus. A number of CGRP-LI fibers are clearly observed in the inferior vestibular nucleus. Under electron microscopic analysis, CGRP-LI endoproducts are diffusely localized throughout the cytoplasm and some of CGRP-LI dendrites are identified to receive synaptic inputs form non-immunoreactive axon terminals with small spherical vesicles. It seems likely that CGRP is participated both in the intrinsic neurons in the vestibular nuclei or in the reciprocal innervations between the vestibular nuclei and the reticular formation or the cerebellum.     

Central vestibular projections of primary cervical fibers in the frog

The origin of cervicovestibular inputs was documented in frogs, as well as the number of fibers, site of projection, and their distribution within the nuclei. The first spinal nerve in 15 frogs was labeled with extracellular injections of horseradish peroxi-dase. The brain stem and the posterior root were sectioned serially. The trajectories of the fibers in the central nervous system were reconstructed, and the number and diameters of the fibers in the posterior root were determined. The average number of fibers in the first posterior root was 143 ±6.2, their number decreasing exponentially with increased diameter. After entering the spinal cord the fibers were located in the dorsal funiculus. The thick and medium-sized fibers coursed medially in relation to the thin ones, giving collaterals to the spinal cord and to the obex region. The thinnest fibers projected to the reticular formation and nucleus of the solitary tract. Only collaterals from fibers of medium and thick caliber reached the vestibular area in their trajectory to the cerebellum (spinocerebellar fibers). All the vestibular nuclei received collaterals and endings from the spinocerebellar fibers, the ventral nucleus being the most innervated. The total number of branches for the vestibular area, however, was very small. The results of this experiment are correlated with physiological and anatomical findings described in the literature.     

单侧前庭毁损引起的中枢平衡代偿

单侧前庭毁损引起的平衡功能失调导致一系列参与平衡感知和调控的中枢神经核团都会发生相应的代偿性改变.这些参与维持平衡的中枢代偿性调节包括健侧前庭核与患侧前庭核之间的活动协调,视觉动眼系统的代偿性调节、小脑的代偿性改变、网状结构的信号协调,下橄榄核的代偿性调节、丘脑的代偿性丘觉、大脑皮层的平衡调控以及某些适应性行为的改变等...     

Neuroanatomy of the nuclear vestibular complex in the syrian hamster. Comparison with other mammals

The vestibular complex has been studied since the fifties. The general conclusion of research on many mammals is that the vestibular complex has four main vestibular nuclei and some less constantly associated neuronal groups. The general distribution of the four main vestibular nuclei in the hamster does not differ substantially from that of other mammals: humans, many primates, cat, opossom, rabbit, chinchilla, guinea pig, etc. Of the many associated groups that have been described, we clearly identified groups , , , , and the interstitial nucleus of the vestibular nucleus of Cajal. However, the latter seems to be less developed than in other mammals. We present results and a map of serial sections of the vestibular area showing the most characteristic anatomic relations with brainstem structures, and the most relevant cytomorphometric results compared with other mammals.     

Peripherin immunoreactivity labels small diameter vestibular 'bouton' afferents in rodents.

Recent morphophysiological studies have described three different subpopulations of vestibular afferents. The purpose of this study was to determine whether peripherin, a 56-kDa type III intermediate filament protein present in small sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglion and spiral ganglion cells, would also label thin vestibular afferents. Peripherin immunohistochemistry was done on vestibular sensory organs (cristae ampullares, utriculi and sacculi) of chinchillas, rats, and mice. In these sensory organs, immunoreactivity was confined to the extrastriolar region of the utriculus and the peripheral region of the crista. The labelled terminals were all boutons, except for an occasional calyx. In vestibular ganglia, immunoreactivity was restricted to small vestibular ganglion cells with thin axons. The immunoreactive central axons of vestibular ganglion cells form narrow bundles as they pass through the caudal spinal trigeminal tract. As they exit this tract, several bundles coalesce to form a single, narrow bundle passing caudally through the ventral part of the lateral vestibular nucleus. Finally, we conclude that all labelled axons and terminals were vestibular afferents rather than efferents, as no immunoreactivity in the vestibular efferent nucleus of the brainstem was observed.     

Aging effects on monoamines in rat medial vestibular and cochlear nuclei

Noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites — 3-methoxy,4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) — were determined using HPLC in medial vestibular nucleus (MVN), anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN), dorsal+posteroventral cochlear nucleus (DCN+PVCN), locus coeruleus (LC) and raphe dorsalis of Dark Agouti-Hanovre (DA-HAN) rats aged 4, 21 and 24 months. In older rats, the main noradrenergic changes were a decrease of NA content with an increase of the MHPG/NA ratio in MVN and a selective NA increase in AVCN. 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels were increased in all the brainstem nuclei except raphe dorsalis. DA and DOPAC remained unchanged. These data show that noradrenergic neurons in sensory nuclei are differently affected by aging whereas serotonergic activation occurs in most of them possibly as a compensatory response to dysfunction of sensory input and processing. The increase of NA stores in the AVCN of aged rats is in line with the elevated auditory brainstem threshold reported in old rats and could improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Noradrenergic neurons in the MVN seem to be more sensitive to age effect than cochlear nuclei; however, even if neuronal loss occurs, NA synthesis and/or metabolism increase to ensure normal or increased noradrenergic activity.     

Changes of glucose uptake in vestibular and auditory nuclei induced by high perilymphatic potassium ion concentration--autoradiographic study

Characteristic nystagmus could be provoked by introducing potassium ion into the unilateral perilymphatic space of healthy guinea pigs. At first, irritative nystagmus appeared for some time to the K+ introduced ear side, and then, it was followed by paralytic nystagmus which directed to the non introduced ear side. During this experiment, the excitabilities of the vestibular nuclei and the central auditory nuclei were investigated by [14C] deoxyglucose method. In the period of "irritative nystagmus", the increment of glucose uptake in the ipsilateral vestibular nucleus, especially in the superior, median and inferior part, was noticed more significantly than the contralateral vestibular nucleus. On the other hand, the period of "paralytic nystagmus" showed the significant increment of glucose uptake in all parts of the contralateral vestibular nucleus. As to the excitability of the central auditory nuclei, the significant decrement of glucose uptake, which was noticed in all periods of this experiment, was predominant in the ipsilateral cochlear nucleus and other superior auditory nuclei of the contralateral side.     

Afferent projections to the uvula in the cat. II. Mossy fiber projections

The mossy fiber projections to the uvula of the cerebellum were studied by means of retrograde axonal transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the cat. Following large and small injections into the uvula, distribution of the labeled cells in the brainstem nuclei was investigated. The results showed different afferent projections between the dorsal and ventral uvula. Major sources projecting to the dorsal uvula were the peduncular, paramedian, and lateral nuclei of the pontine nuclei. Labeled cells found in the pontine nuclei amounted to 81.6% of the total number of labeled cells in cat 1. On the other hand, major sources projecting to the ventral uvula were the caudal aspect of the medial and inferior vestibular nuclei, the x- and f-groups of the vestibular nuclei, the dorsal and central aspect of the superior vestibular nucleus, the rostral dorsomedial aspect of the paramedian nucleus of the pontine nuclei, the caudal aspect of the prepositus hypoglossal nucleus, and the infratrigeminal nucleus. Labeled cells in the vestibular nuclei amounted to 72.1% of the total number of the labeled cells in the cat 40. It was revealed that the lateral aspect of the ventral uvula receives inputs from the pontine nuclei, whereas the medial part of the ventral uvula receives inputs from the vestibular nuclei. Mediolateral differences were not found in the dorsal uvula. These mossy fiber zones were mediolaterally wide, and the dorsal uvula was different from the ventral uvula with regard to mossy fiber projection.     

电刺激确认前庭代偿早期前庭核神经元

目的探讨电刺激前庭神经末梢在前庭代偿早期确认具有放电可能的前庭神经元的可行性.方法电刺激迷路切除术后8小时、24小时和48小时三组动物前庭神经末梢,比较是否给予电刺激时前庭神经核神经元放电细胞个数和放电频率变化情况.结果术后8小时仅记录到一个自发性放电细胞,电刺激后细胞放电频率增加.随着代偿时间推移,当电刺激前庭神经末梢,前庭神经核中神经元放电数目和放电率增加,暂停电刺激时神经元放电率下降.结论电刺激前庭神经末梢可增强前庭代偿早期在体前庭神经元细胞放电,具体表现为神经元放电率与放电细胞的数目增加,应用该方法可在前庭代偿早期选择具有一定放电可能的前庭神经元.     

Effect of retroauricular galvanic stimulation on the central vestibular system--immunohistochemical evaluation of GABA

The changes of the neurotransmitter (GABA) distribution in the brain stem of the rats by retroauricular galvanic stimulation were investigated using immunohistochemical method. Twenty-one rats were divided into two groups: the control group which received no galvanic stimulation, and the galvanically stimulated group which received anodal galvanic stimulation (unipolar monoauricular, 5 mA in intensity, 500 msec of duration, 1 Hz in frequency) for 30 minutes. The specimens obtained as usual strict procedure for histological investigation were stained immunohistochemically using antisera against GABA. The results were as follows: 1. In the control group, GABA-like immunoreactivity was observed in all four main vestibular nuclei. In the superior, medial, and descending vestibular nuclei GABA-like immunoreactivity was found in the small cells and the terminals. Giant cells in the lateral vestibular nucleus were surrounded by GABA immunoreactive terminals. 2. In the galvanically stimulated group GABA-like immunoreactivity showed recognizable laterality in the lateral vestibular nucleus where GABA-like immunoreactivity surrounding giant cells showed more intensive on the side ipsilateral to the stimulation compared with the opposite side. On the other hand GABA-like immunoreactivity showed no laterality in the superior, medial, and descending vestibular nuclei. 3. It can be concluded that the retroauricular galvanic stimulation cause some changes in the inhibitory activity of the lateral vestibulo-spinal tract and of the spinal motor neuron.