Morphometric analysis of the vestibular complex in the rat

Abstract

The characteristics of the four major vestibular nuclei and accessory cell groups in the rat have been studied in serially cut horizontal sections. Camera lucida drawings of the vestibular nuclei and their neurons were made in these sections and subjected to a computerized image analysis. The dimensions (volume and length) and the number of cells of each vestibular nucleus were obtained, as well as morphometric parameters of their neurons (cross-sectional area, maximum and minimum diameter, and shape). These parameters were statistically analyzed by comparing the cell population from different nuclei and different parts of each nucleus. Of the major nuclei, the medial, which is the largest, has the greatest number of cells, its neurons being the smallest of all the nuclei, with the size of cells decreasing in a rostrocaudal direction. In contrast, the lateral nucleus contains the fewest cells but also the largest ones. Neurons of the superior and descending nuclei are of an intermediate size and number, with a rostrocaudal decrease in the size of the descending nucleus cells. In addition, minor nuclei are identified and described in their relationship to the other structures in the brain stem. The relevant aspects of the anatomical information in regard to functional roles are reviewed.

Neuronal loss in human medial vestibular nucleus

“…These neuronal groups were the same established in previously related papers (Suá rez et al, 1993(Suá rez et al, , 1997Díaz et al, 1993Díaz et al, , 1996.…”

Maturation of canal‐related brainstem neurons in the detection of horizontal angular acceleration in rats

“…In other words, both the rostral and middle MV are involved in vestibuloocular control. Because of the large size of magnocellular neurons, a much lower cell density was found in rostral MV (Suarez et al, 1993). Thus, it is not surprising that a smaller number of Fos-ir neurons was found in the rostral MV.…”

Morphometric analysis of the AMPA-type neurons in the Deiters vestibular complex of the chick brain

“…Size of the cells was determined by measuring the longest axis of the neuronal body with the aid of a computational system (NIH Image 1.57) through representative sections throughout the DC nuclei. According to its size, neurons were categorized as small 20 mm, medium >20 mm to 35 mm, large >35 mm to 50 mm, and giant >50 mm following a scale proposed by Suarez et al (1993). Numbers were counted using the Abercrombie correction factor (Abercrombie, 1946) and to avoid duplicity only neurons with a visible nucleus were counted.…”

“…The caudal portion is more irregular, ending between the angular and laminar nuclei, making a Data are expressed as the percentage of the average of all Giemsa-stained neurons at the rostral (n = 445) and caudal divisions (n = 249) of the dND of chicks (n = 4). Classification was done according Suarez et al (1993). Small 20 mm; medium >20 mm to 35 mm; large >35 mm to 50 mm; and giant >50 mm.…”