Spontaneous activity of otolith neurons in the vestibular nucleus of rats after inferior olive lesion

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the contribution of olivocerebellar inputs to the spontaneous discharge properties of central otolith neurons in adult rats. Methods: The inferior olivary nuclear neurons were destroyed by intraperitoneal administration of 3-acetylpyridine. The changes of spontaneous discharge properties of central otolith neurons were observed. Results: After inferior olive lesion, the proportion of regular discharge neurons was increased significantly, C neurons exhibited both regular and irregular discharge patterns while I neurons showed regular discharge patterns. Meanwhile, the mean spontaneous discharge rates of all kinds of neurons were increased, significantly higher than those of control rats(t = 3.287 1 - 11.791 6, P < 0.005 - 0.000 1). Conclusion: The spontaneous discharge activities of central otolith neurons were affected significantly after inferior olive lesion. These findings indicate that the climbing fiber inputs from the inferior olive is of key importance in regulating the spontaneous activities of central otolith neurons.