The effects of intra-vestibular nucleus administration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on recovery from peripheral vestibular damage in guinea pig.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), at doses of 0.04, 0.4 or 4.0 microg/day, was delivered by cannula and s.c osmotic minipump into the ipsilateral vestibular nucleus complex from 0 to 50 h following unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) in guinea pigs. Compared to the vehicle control group, the frequency of spontaneous nystagmus was significantly reduced (p < 0.02) and the rate of yaw head tilt compensation increased (p < 0.02). However, roll head tilt was not signifcantly affected. There were also no significant effects of BDNF administration into the IVth ventricle (4.0 microg/day) on any UL symptom. These results further support the hypothesis that neurotrophins such as BDNF may enhance the vestibular compensation process.
Maingay
M G
MG
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Sansom
A J
AJ
Kerr
D R
DR
Smith
P F
PF
Darlington
C L
CL
D000818:Animals; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003714:Denervation / Q000009:adverse effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014726:Vestibular Nuclei / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor