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
Author(s): John H. Anderson
Publisher: CRC Press
Year: 1999
Language: English
Pages: 430
City: Boca Raton
Cover
Half Title
Title
Copyright
Contents
I. Perspectives
1. Overview of the Vestibular System: Anatomy
II. Peripheral Vestibular Transmission
2. Vestibular Hair Cell-Afferent Transmission
3. Synaptic Transmission by Vestibular Nerve Afferent Fibers
4. Efferent Vestibular System: Anatomy, Physiology, and Neurochemistry
III. Neurochemistry of the Vestibular Nuclear Complex
5. Excitatory Amino Acids and Nitric Oxide in the Vestibular Nuclei
6. Glutamatergic Transmission in the Medial Vestibular Nucleus
7. Inhibitory Amino Acid Transmitters in the Vestibular Nuclei
8. Modulatory Effects of Monoamines on Central Vestibular Neurons: Possible Functional Implications
9. Neuropeptides Associated with the Vestibular Nuclei
IV. Neurochemical Mechanisms Underlying Vestibular Control of Movement and Posture
10. Neuropharmacological Aspects of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex
11. Control of Vestibulo-Spinal and Vestibulo-Ocular Reflexes by Noradrenergic and ACh Systems
12. Cholinergic Pathways and Functions Related to the Vestibulo-Cerebellum
13. Physiology and Ultrastructure of Unipolar Brush Cells in the Vestibulocerebellum
V. Neurochemical Organization of Sensory Inputs to the Vestibular System
14. Neuronal Circuitry and Neurotransmitters in the Pretectal and Accessory Optic Systems
15. Somatosensory Influences on the Vestibular System
16. Chemical Comparisons between Centeral Vestibular and Auditory Systems
VI. Neurochemical Basis of Plasticity and Adaptation
17. Immediate Early Gene Expression in the Vestibular System
18. The Contributions of Excitatory and Inhibitory Amino Acid Neurotransmitters to Vestibular Plasticity
VII. Summary:
19. General Concepts and Principles
Index
