An antisense oligonucleotide to brain-derived neurotrophic factor delays postural compensation following unilateral labyrinthectomy in guinea pig

AN antisense oligonucleotide to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) wa s delivered by osmotic minipump at a 1 mM concentration via a cannula into the ipsilateral vestibular nucleus complex from 15 to 56 h following unilat eral labyrinthectomy in guinea pigs. Compared with the control groups, vest ibular compensation of roll head tilt was significantly delayed (p < 0.05), while compensation of spontaneous nystagmus and yaw head tilt was unaffect ed. These results suggest that neurotrophins such as BDNF may be involved i n specific aspects of the vestibular compensation process. NeuroReport 10:1 485-1488 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.