Toward Maturation of the Vestibular System: Neural Circuits and Neuronal Properties

Abstract

This review focuses on efforts to unravel conundrums on the development of the vestibular system. In the first section, maturation of the peripheral vestibular system and the involvement of transcription factors in the patterning of peripheral vestibular components are highlighted. Cell surface and matrix molecules have also been implicated in fasciculation and guidance of axons in the course of vestibular circuit formation. In rodents, the central vestibular neurons continue to develop after birth until they reach maturity in morphology and function. Sequential maturation of neuronal subpopulations within the developing network of the horizontal and vertical otolith systems is also presented. In another section, the expression pattern of glutamate receptor subunits within the developing vestibular nuclear complex is reviewed in relation to their potential role in regulating postnatal function of the vestibular system. Lastly, postnatal changes in the properties of vestibular nuclear neurons and their capability in coding head movement information appear to prime the development of vestibular-related motor functions.