Complete and irreversible unilateral vestibular loss: A novel rat model of vestibular pathology.

BACKGROUND

Both basic and applied studies on the pathophysiology of vestibular disorders are currently impaired by the lack of animal models of controlled vestibular damages.

NEW METHODS

In the present study, we describe the procedure to achieve a surgical unilateral vestibular neurectomy (UVN) in the rat and evaluate its functional consequences. This procedure is suitable for reproducing a unilateral, sudden and definitive vestibular areflexia.

RESULTS

Proper induction of a UVN induces a severe vestibular syndrome, which mimics vestibular disorders encountered in humans. This model is also used clinically in the surgical treatment of pharmacological intractable Meniere's disease. Comparison with existing methods unilateral vestibular neurectomy has been essentially used in other species such as cats, monkeys and humans. The current study describes this technique in rats.

CONCLUSION

This experimental model is particularly adapted to study the restoration kinetics of vestibular function after removal of peripheral inputs. It is also suitable for determining the neurochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying central compensation processes, as well as to check for the efficacy of drugs with potent antivertigo properties. Finally, UVN is an acknowledged model of postlesional plasticity involving original processes such as reactive neurogenesis in the vestibular nuclei.