Role of cross-striolar and commissural inhibition in the vestibulocollic reflex

Abstract

In the otolith system, there are two types of neuronal circuitry that can enhance response sensitivity during linear acceleration and tilt of the head. One produces cross-striolar inhibition and the other commissural inhibition. Cross-striolar inhibition can be observed in over 50% of saccular-activated, second-order vestibular neurons. In contrast, it is seen in less than 33% of utricular-activated, second-order vestibular neurons. The majority of vestibular neurons that receive cross-striolar inhibition have axons that project to the spinal cord. Over 50% of the utricular-activated, second-order vestibular neurons received commissural inhibition from the contralateral utricular nerve. On the other hand, almost all the saccular-activated, second-order vestibular neurons exhibit no response to stimulation of the contralateral saccular nerve. The majority of vestibular neurons receiving commissural inhibition also have axons that project to the spinal cord. These results suggest that cross-striolar inhibition is important for increasing the sensitivity of the saccular system, whereas commissural inhibition is more important in the utricular system.