Effect of subchronic ototoxic (3,3'-iminodipropionitrile - IDPN) exposure on the vestibular ganglion of the rat.

The response of the vestibular ganglion neurons to the stress or loss of their presynaptic hair cells (HC) is not understood. This understanding is necessary because the survival and functional competence of these neurons will determine the outcome of any intervention aiming at repair or regeneration of the HC. One existing observation is that of uncoupling of the synapse between the HCs and ganglion neurons following subchronic ototoxic exposure in rodent models. We here studied the expression response of the vestibular ganglion associated with this synaptic uncoupling.