1st Edition
Neurochemistry of the Vestibular System
The ability to quantify the sensory stimuli and resulting behavioral responses has enabled researchers over the past thirty years to gain an in-depth understanding of the physiological processes and neural pathways involved in the control of eye and head movements and posture. However, the molecular mechanisms and neurochemical processes that underlie neurotransmission of the vestibular and oculomotor pathways have begun to be defined only during the past decade.
The first book available on this topic, Neurochemistry of the Vestibular System covers the proliferation of new information stemming from the technical advances in the areas of molecular biology and neurochemistry. It analyzes the recent developments in areas that relate to the neurochemical organization of the hair cells in the inner ear, the vestibular nerve, the vestibular nuclear complex, and central afferent and efferent vestibular projections. The book also identifies future directions for research in the areas of neurotransmitters, second messengers, transcription factors, and molecular mechanisms involved with both normal vestibular function and compensation.
Features
Overview of the Vestibular System: Anatomy
PERIPHERAL VESTIBULAR TRANSMISSION
Vestibular Hair Cell-Afferent Transmission
Synaptic Transmission by Vestibular Nerve Afferent Fibers
Efferent Vestibular System: Anatomy, Physiology, and Neurochemistry
NEUROCHEMISTRY OF THE VESTIBULAR NUCLEAR COMPLEX
Excitatory Amino Acids and Nitric Oxide in the Vestibular Nuclei
Glutamatergic Transmission in the Medial Vestibular Nucleus
Inhibitory Amino Acid Transmitters in the Vestibular Nuclei
Modulatory Effects of Monoamines on Central Vestibular Neurons: Possible Functional Implications
Neuropeptides Associated with the Vestibular Nuclei
NEUROCHEMICAL MECHANISMS UNDERLYING VESTIBULAR CONTROL OF MOVEMENT and POSTURE
Neuropharmacological Aspects of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex
Control of Vestibulo-Spinal and Vestibulor-Ocular Reflexes by Noradrenergic and ACh Systems
Cholinergic Pathways and Functions Related to the Vestibulo-Cerebellum
Physiology and Ultrastructure of Unipolar Brush Cells in the Vestibulocerebellum
NEUROCHEMICAL ORGANIZATION OF SENSORY INPUTS TO THE VESTIBULAR SYSTEM
Neuronal Circuitry and Neurotransmitters in the Pretectal and Accessory Optic Systems
Somatosensory Influences on the Vestibular System
Chemical Comparisons between Central Vestibular and Auditory Systems
NEUROCHEMICAL BASIS OF PLASTICITY AND ADAPTATION
Immediate Early Gene Expression in the Vestibular System
The Contributions of Excitatory and Inhibitory Amino Acid Neurotransmitters to Vestibular Plasticity
SUMMARY
General Concepts and Principles
Biography
Edited by Alvin J. Beitz; John H. Anderson
