Repetitive Low-Intensity Vestibular Noise Stimulation Partly Reverses Behavioral and Brain Activity Changes following Bilateral Vestibular Loss in Rats.

Low-intensity noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) can improve static and dynamic postural deficits in patients with bilateral vestibular loss (BVL). In this study, we aimed to explore the neurophysiological and neuroanatomical substrates underlying nGVS treatment effects in a rat model of BVL. Regional brain activation patterns and behavioral responses to a repeated 30 min nGVS treatment in comparison to sham stimulation were investigated by serial whole-brain F-FDG-PET measurements and quantitative locomotor assessments before and at nine consecutive time points up to 60 days after the chemical bilateral labyrinthectomy (BL).

Dose- and application route-dependent effects of betahistine on behavioral recovery and neuroplasticity after acute unilateral labyrinthectomy in rats.

Introduction: Betahistine is widely used for the treatment of various vestibular disorders. However, the approved oral administration route and maximum daily dose are evidently not effective in clinical trials, possibly due to a major first-pass metabolism by monoamine oxidases (MAOs). The current study aimed to test different application routes (i.

3R Blackboard: A platform for animal and organ sharing.

Since the embedding of the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) in national and international regulations on the use of animals, scientists have been challenged to find ways to reduce the number of animals in their research. Here, we present a digital platform, called '3R Backboard', linked to a laboratory animal management system, which facilitates sharing of surplus biological materials from animals (e.g.

Extract EGb 761 Improves Vestibular Compensation and Modulates Cerebral Vestibular Networks in the Rat.

Unilateral inner ear damage is followed by behavioral recovery due to central vestibular compensation. The dose-dependent therapeutic effect of extract EGb 761 on vestibular compensation was investigated by behavioral testing and serial cerebral [F]-Fluoro-desoxyglucose ([F]-FDG)-μPET in a rat model of unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL). Five groups of 8 animals each were treated with EGb 761-supplemented food at doses of 75, 37.

Imaging of Glial Activation after Unilateral Labyrinthectomy in the Rat: A [F]GE180-PET Study.

The functional relevance of reactive gliosis for recovery from acute unilateral vestibulopathy is unknown. In the present study, glial activation was visualized by [F]GE180-PET in a rat model of unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) and compared to behavioral vestibular compensation (VC) overtime. 14 Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a UL by transtympanic injection of bupivacaine/arsenilate, 14 rats a SHAM UL (injection of normal saline).