EPHRIN-A1 and -A2 act as positive growth factors for developing spiral ganglion radial bundles.

During the formation of the auditory system in mammals, spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) form ribbon-type synapses with hair cells in the cochlea to establish the first "sensorineural" component of sound transduction. Ahead of synapse formation in the cochlea, the SGNs undergo migration and extension with developing Schwann and otic mesenchyme cells to form radial bundles, fasciculated groups of nerve fibers found between the SGN somata and hair cells. Thus far, reports have shown that Eph/Ephrin signaling is important for the formation of radial bundles.

Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages.

This protocol details general histology methods for preparing inner ear samples from embryonic, neonatal, and adult mice. The purpose of this protocol is to provide a straightforward and standardized method for inner ear tissue processing for researchers, possibly new to the field, interested in working with the mouse cochlea. Included here are protocols for dissection, fixation, embedding, cryosectioning, and immunostaining.

Cognitive functions in episodic vestibular disorders: Meniere's disease and vestibular migraine.

Background: Cognitive deficits have been defined in patients with bilateral and unilateral vestibular loss.

Objective: To investigate cognitive functions in patients with episodic vestibular disorders.

Methods: Nineteen patients with Meniere's disease (MD), 19 patients with vestibular migraine (VM) and 21 age and education matched healthy controls were studied.