Spatial orientation can be defined operationally as the ability to align internal spatial vectors with gravito-inertial acceleration (GIA). Accurate alignment of these internal vectors to GIA is critical for balance and maintenance of gaze during locomotion, and plasticity is necessary to correct imbalances. The central themes of the Program Project are to understand the neural basis for spatial orientation and plasticity in the vestibular system. A multifaceted approach will be used that includes modeling, human and animal behavioral studies, single unit analysis, and molecular studies of neurotransmission. The proposed Program Project consists of two model-based behavioral and single unit studies in the monkey and rabbit to determine how spatial orientation is controlled by the nodulus and uvula. This will be done by comparing the dynamics of unit activity to those of eye velocity during tilts of gravitoinerial acceleration vector, by doing comparative behavior studies in these frontal and lateral eyed animals, and in determining how focused lesions in various parts of the zonal structure of the nodulus and uvula affect orientation vectors of velocity storage. A molecular/anatomical study will focus on nitric oxide and related molecules as well as on excitatory amino acid receptors involved during developmental in the vestibular system and in adaptation of parameters related to spatial orientation and gain control in the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). A fourth study will determine how spatial orientation is manifest in the eye and head movements of freely moving human subjects with and without velocity storage during angular locomotion. Two core modules will support research in all of the projects. Through this study of spatial orientation and plasticity in the VOR, it is anticipated that important insights will be obtained about how information related to the GIA vector is coded and adapted by the vestibulo-cerebellum and vestibular nuclei, what role this coding plays in maintenance of posture and balance during locomotion, and how locomotion and maintenance of gaze is disordered when orientation to the GIA is disturbed.
| Winkelman, Beerend H J; Belton, Tim; Suh, Minah et al. (2014) Nonvisual complex spike signals in the rabbit cerebellar flocculus. J Neurosci 34:3218-30 |
| Yakushin, Sergei B; Xiang, Yongqing; Cohen, Bernard et al. (2009) Dependence of the roll angular vestibuloocular reflex (aVOR) on gravity. J Neurophysiol 102:2616-26 |
| Maruta, Jun; Simpson, John I; Raphan, Theodore et al. (2005) Orienting eye movements and nystagmus produced by translation while rotating (TWR). Exp Brain Res 163:273-83 |
| Zhu, Danjie; Moore, Steven T; Raphan, Theodore (2004) Robust and real-time torsional eye position calculation using a template-matching technique. Comput Methods Programs Biomed 74:201-9 |
| Xiang, Yongqing; Buttner-Ennever, Jean; Cohen, Bernard et al. (2004) Texture-based approaches for identifying neuro-anatomical structures and electrode tracks. Comput Methods Programs Biomed 74:221-33 |
| Cohen, Bernard; Dai, Mingjia; Raphan, Theodore (2003) The critical role of velocity storage in production of motion sickness. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1004:359-76 |
| Yakushin, Sergei B; Raphan, Theodore; Cohen, Bernard (2003) Gravity-specific adaptation of the angular vestibuloocular reflex: dependence on head orientation with regard to gravity. J Neurophysiol 89:571-86 |
| Dai, Mingjia; Kunin, Mikhail; Raphan, Theodore et al. (2003) The relation of motion sickness to the spatial-temporal properties of velocity storage. Exp Brain Res 151:173-89 |
| Arai, Yasuko; Yakushin, Sergei B; Dai, Mingjia et al. (2002) Spatial orientation of caloric nystagmus. Ann N Y Acad Sci 956:190-204 |
| Cohen, Bernard; John, Padmore; Yakushin, Sergei B et al. (2002) The nodulus and uvula: source of cerebellar control of spatial orientation of the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex. Ann N Y Acad Sci 978:28-45 |
Showing the most recent 10 out of 28 publications
