Recovery of the otolith-ocular reflex after unilateral deafferentation of the otolith organs in squirrel monkeys

Abstract

The enhancement of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain in the eccentric rotation is mediated by the otolith organs. Functional recovery of the otolith-ocular reflex after deafferentation of the otolith organs was examined in squirrel monkeys, using the enhancement of the eccentric VOR gain as an indicator of the reflex. After unilateral deafferentation of the otolith organs, the enhancement of the eccentric VOR gain decreased and then recovered completely within eight weeks. However, the eccentric VOR gain was not enhanced after contralateral side lesions. These findings demonstrate that functional recovery of the otolith-ocular reflex is achieved after unilateral deafferentation of the otolith organs, and that afferents from the remaining otolith organs are necessary for the functional compensation.