The effects of intra-vestibular nucleus administration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on recovery from peripheral vestibular damage in guinea pig

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), at doses of 0.04, 0.4 or 4.0 mu g /day, was delivered by cannula and s.c osmotic minipump into the ipsilatera l vestibular nucleus complex from 0 to 50 h following unilateral labyrinthe ctomy (UL) in guinea pigs. Compared to the vehicle control group. the frequ ency of spontaneous nystagmus was significantly reduced (p < 0.02) and the rate of yaw head tilt compensation increased (p < 0.02). However, roll head tilt was not significantly affected. There were also no significant effect s of BDNF administration into the IVth ventricle (4.0 mu g/day) on any UL s ymptom. These results further support the hypothesis that neurotrophins suc h as BDNF may enhance the vestibular compensation process. NeuroReport 11:2 429-2432 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.