Modifications of perineuronal nets and remodelling of excitatory and inhibitory afferents during vestibular compensation in the adult mouse

Alessio Faralli, Federico Dagna, Andrea Albera, Yoko Bekku, Toshitaka Oohashi, Roberto Albera, Ferdinando Rossi, Daniela Carulli

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are aggregates of extracellular matrix molecules surrounding several types of neurons in the adult CNS, which contribute to stabilising neuronal connections. Interestingly, a reduction of PNN number and staining intensity has been observed in conditions associated with plasticity in the adult brain. However, it is not known whether spontaneous PNN changes are functional to plasticity and repair after injury. To address this issue, we investigated PNN expression in the vestibular nuclei of the adult mouse during vestibular compensation, namely the resolution of motor deficits resulting from a unilateral peripheral vestibular lesion. After unilateral labyrinthectomy, we found that PNN number and staining intensity were strongly attenuated in the lateral vestibular nucleus on both sides, in parallel with remodelling of excitatory and inhibitory afferents. Moreover, PNNs were completely restored when vestibular deficits of the mice were abated. Interestingly, in mice with genetically reduced PNNs, vestibular compensation was accelerated. Overall, these results strongly suggest that temporal tuning of PNN expression may be crucial for vestibular compensation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3193-3209
Number of pages17
JournalBrain Structure and Function
Volume221
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 1 2016

Keywords

  • Axonal plasticity
  • Bral2
  • Chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans
  • Perineuronal nets
  • Vestibular compensation
  • Vestibular nuclei

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Neuroscience(all)
  • Histology

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