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Multimodal Signal Integration in Vestibular Neurons of the Primate Fastigial Nucleus
Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, 81377 Munich, Germany
Address for correspondence: Prof. Dr. U. Büttner, Department of Neurology, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Marchioninistrasse 15, D-81377 Munich, Germany. Voice: 0049-89-7095-2560; fax: 0049-89-7095-5561. ubuettner{at}brain.nefo.med.uni-muenchen.de Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1004: 241-251 (2003).
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.
Key Words: fastigial nucleus • monkey • vestibular • semicircular canals • otolith This article has been cited by other articles:
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