Multimodal signal integration in vestibular neurons of the primate fastigial nucleus

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003 Oct:1004:241-51. doi: 10.1196/annals.1303.021.

Abstract

The rostral fastigial nucleus contains vestibular neurons, which presumably are involved in spinal mechanisms (neck, gait, posture) and which are not modulated with individual eye movements. Single-unit recordings in the alert behaving monkey during natural stimulus conditions reveal that virtually all neurons demonstrate integration of several sensory inputs. This applies not only for canal-canal and canal-otolith interaction, but also for otolith-otolith interaction. There is also some evidence that most neurons receive not only an utriculus but also a sacculus input. Furthermore, most neurons also respond to large-field optokinetic stimulation, reflecting visual-vestibular interaction. Neurons are also affected by the head on trunk position, which would allow these neurons to operate in a body-centered rather than a head-centered reference frame. These complex, multisensory features could permit fastigial nucleus neurons to rather specifically affect spinal motor functions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebellar Nuclei / physiology*
  • Head Movements / physiology
  • Macaca
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Otolithic Membrane / physiology
  • Posture / physiology
  • Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / physiology
  • Rotation
  • Semicircular Canals / physiology
  • Vestibular Nuclei / physiology*