Central and peripheral plasticity after chemical unilateral labyrinthectomy: Glial responses, calyces dynamics, and behavioral consequences

Peripheral vestibular disorders are highly prevalent, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain poorly understood, particularly regarding bilateral peripheral plasticity following unilateral injury. Using a rat model of chemical unilateral labyrinthectomy (cUL) (SHAM, n = 14; cUL, n = 20), we combined behavioral analyses, auditory assessments, immunohistochemistry, and histological quantification to...

Continue reading at PubMed

✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

This is a basic-science animal study on vestibular compensation mechanisms; no actionable change for clinical audiologists or vestibular specialists at this time.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Clarifying the cellular and structural mechanisms of vestibular compensation could eventually guide rehabilitation timing and pharmacological strategies following unilateral vestibular loss.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Animal model study used chemical labyrinthectomy (destroying one inner-ear balance organ) to trigger vestibular compensation.
02Both central (brain) and peripheral (nerve) plasticity were observed following the lesion.
03Glial cells (brain support cells) showed notable responses during the compensation process.
04Calyx nerve terminal dynamics (specialized vestibular nerve endings) were altered after the injury.
05Behavioral outcomes tracked alongside cellular changes to link biology to functional recovery.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Chemical unilateral labyrinthectomy induces both central and peripheral neuroplasticity, including glial responses and calyx dynamics changes.

studysupported

Glial responses and calyx dynamics are key mechanisms underlying vestibular compensation after unilateral vestibular loss.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42679017
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0355839.
Journal: PLOS ONE
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 4
Population: Animal model (chemical unilateral labyrinthectomy)
Intervention: Chemical unilateral labyrinthectomy

Primary outcomes

Glial cell responses in central and peripheral vestibular system; Calyx terminal dynamics post-lesion; Behavioral outcomes during vestibular compensation

✦ Related stories ✦

PubMed·Clinical trial·Vestibular·2mo ago

Endolymphatic duct blockage for Ménière's disease: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial

Await full results publication and effect-size data before adopting endolymphatic duct blockage; findings from this RCT may eventually shift surgical management of Ménière's disease, but no practice change is warranted until the complete trial data are reviewed.

PubMed·Journal article·Vestibular·2mo ago

Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation with Virtual Reality in Adults with Vestibular Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis provides the strongest available evidence class on VR-based vestibular rehabilitation; if results are positive, audiologists and vestibular therapists should consider VR as an adjunct or alternative to conventional rehab, pending review...

PubMed·Journal article·Vestibular·4w ago

Targeted Vestibular Rehabilitation Accelerates Symptom Relief by Promoting Vestibular Compensation in BPPV Patients With Residual Symptoms: Evidence From Resting-State fMRI

Targeted vestibular rehabilitation therapy should be considered for BPPV patients with residual dizziness after canalith repositioning, as fMRI evidence now provides a neurological basis for its benefit in this subgroup.

PubMed·Journal article·Vestibular·3mo ago

Betahistine for residual dizziness after canalith repositioning in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Audiologists and vestibular specialists managing post-CRM residual dizziness in BPPV patients should review this systematic review's pooled findings; if betahistine shows significant benefit, it may warrant a protocol update in collaboration with referring physicians.

PubMed·Journal article·Vestibular·3mo ago

Comparative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of balance, anxiety, and depression outcomes

Audiologists and vestibular specialists managing PPPD should review the ranked treatment outcomes from this network meta-analysis to inform which non-pharmacological interventions — such as vestibular rehabilitation, CBT, or mindfulness — are most likely to address balance,...

PubMed·Journal article·Vestibular·3mo ago

Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation versus written instructions after acute vertigo: A randomised controlled trial

If internet-based vestibular rehabilitation proves superior to written instructions, clinicians treating acute vestibular syndrome in emergency settings should consider recommending structured online rehab programs as a first-line follow-up resource — pending full review of the...

PubMed·Journal article·Vestibular·3mo ago

Efficacy of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy on Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo After Repositioning: Improvement of Vestibular Symptoms and Vertigo Disability

Audiologists and vestibular specialists should consider recommending vestibular rehabilitation therapy following canalith repositioning in BPPV patients, as this RCT-level evidence suggests it meaningfully reduces residual vestibular symptoms and vertigo-related disability.

PubMed·Journal article·Vestibular·2mo ago

Aging and Hearing with Vestibular Schwannoma Beyond Presbycusis: A Large Cross-Sectional Audiometric and Volumetric Study

Audiologists and neurotologists managing vestibular schwannoma patients should account for tumour volume and patient age as independent predictors of hearing function when counselling on watchful waiting versus intervention.