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Grasso C, Barresi M, Tramonti Fantozzi MP, Lazzerini F, Bruschini L, Berrettini S, Andre P, Dolciotti C, De Cicco V, De Cicco D, d'Ascanio P, Orsini P, Montanari F, Faraguna U, Manzoni D. Effects of a short period of postural training on postural stability and vestibulospinal reflexes. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287123. [PMID: 37307276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of postural training on postural stability and vestibulospinal reflexes (VSRs) were investigated in normal subjects. A period (23 minutes) of repeated episodes (n = 10, 50 seconds) of unipedal stance elicited a progressive reduction of the area covered by centre of pressure (CoP) displacement, of average CoP displacement along the X and Y axes and of CoP velocity observed in this challenging postural task. All these changes were correlated to each other with the only exception of those in X and Y CoP displacement. Moreover, they were larger in the subjects showing higher initial instability in unipedal stance, suggesting that they were triggered by the modulation of sensory afferents signalling body sway. No changes in bipedal stance occurred soon and 1 hour after this period of postural training, while a reduction of CoP displacement was apparent after 24 hours, possibly due to a beneficial effect of overnight sleep on postural learning. The same period of postural training also reduced the CoP displacement elicited by electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) along the X axis up to 24 hours following the training end. No significant changes in postural parameters of bipedal stance and VSRs could be observed in control experiments where subjects were tested at identical time points without performing the postural training. Therefore, postural training led to a stricter control of CoP displacement, possibly acting through the cerebellum by enhancing feedforward mechanisms of postural stability and by depressing the VSR, the most important reflex mechanism involved in balance maintenance under challenging conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Grasso
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Barresi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Lazzerini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Cares, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Bruschini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Cares, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Berrettini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Cares, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paolo Andre
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Cristina Dolciotti
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Cicco
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide De Cicco
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola d'Ascanio
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Orsini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Montanari
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Faraguna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Manzoni
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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De Cicco V, Tramonti Fantozzi MP, Cataldo E, Barresi M, Bruschini L, Faraguna U, Manzoni D. Trigeminal, Visceral and Vestibular Inputs May Improve Cognitive Functions by Acting through the Locus Coeruleus and the Ascending Reticular Activating System: A New Hypothesis. Front Neuroanat 2018; 11:130. [PMID: 29358907 PMCID: PMC5766640 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that sensory signals sustain the background discharge of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) which includes the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons and controls the level of attention and alertness. Moreover, LC neurons influence brain metabolic activity, gene expression and brain inflammatory processes. As a consequence of the sensory control of ARAS/LC, stimulation of a sensory channel may potential influence neuronal activity and trophic state all over the brain, supporting cognitive functions and exerting a neuroprotective action. On the other hand, an imbalance of the same input on the two sides may lead to an asymmetric hemispheric excitability, leading to an impairment in cognitive functions. Among the inputs that may drive LC neurons and ARAS, those arising from the trigeminal region, from visceral organs and, possibly, from the vestibular system seem to be particularly relevant in regulating their activity. The trigeminal, visceral and vestibular control of ARAS/LC activity may explain why these input signals: (1) affect sensorimotor and cognitive functions which are not directly related to their specific informational content; and (2) are effective in relieving the symptoms of some brain pathologies, thus prompting peripheral activation of these input systems as a complementary approach for the treatment of cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Cicco
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria P Tramonti Fantozzi
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Barresi
- Institut des Maladie Neurodégénératives, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luca Bruschini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Faraguna
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Manzoni
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Disturbances in equilibrium function after major earthquake. Sci Rep 2012; 2:749. [PMID: 23087814 PMCID: PMC3475992 DOI: 10.1038/srep00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Major earthquakes were followed by a large number of aftershocks and significant outbreaks of dizziness occurred over a large area. However it is unclear why major earthquake causes dizziness. We conducted an intergroup trial on equilibrium dysfunction and psychological states associated with equilibrium dysfunction in individuals exposed to repetitive aftershocks versus those who were rarely exposed. Greater equilibrium dysfunction was observed in the aftershock-exposed group under conditions without visual compensation. Equilibrium dysfunction in the aftershock-exposed group appears to have arisen from disturbance of the inner ear, as well as individual vulnerability to state anxiety enhanced by repetitive exposure to aftershocks. We indicate potential effects of autonomic stress on equilibrium function after major earthquake. Our findings may contribute to risk management of psychological and physical health after major earthquakes with aftershocks, and allow development of a new empirical approach to disaster care after such events.
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Schuerger RJ, Balaban CD. Organization of the coeruleo-vestibular pathway in rats, rabbits, and monkeys. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 1999; 30:189-217. [PMID: 10525175 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(99)00015-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Inputs from locus coeruleus (LC) appear to be important for altering sensorimotor responses in situations requiring increase vigilance or alertness. This study documents the organization of coeruleo-vestibular pathways in rats, rabbits and monkeys. A lateral descending noradrenergic bundle (LDB) projects from LC to the superior vestibular nucleus (SVN) and rostral lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN). A medial descending noradrenergic bundle (MDB) projects from LC to LVN, the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN), group y and rostral nucleus prepositus hypoglossi (rNPH). There is a characteristic, specific pattern of innervation of vestibular nuclear regions across the three species. A quantitative analysis revealed four distinct innervation density levels (minimal, low, intermediate and high) across the vestibular nuclei. The densest plexuses of noradrenergic fibers were observed in the SVN and LVN. Less dense innervation was observed in the MVN, and minimal innervation was observed in the inferior vestibular nucleus (IVN). In monkeys and rabbits, rostral MVN contained a higher innervation density than the rat MVN. In monkeys, the rNPH also contained a dense plexus of fibers. Selective destruction of terminal LC projections (distal axons and terminals) by the neurotoxin N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4) resulted in a dramatic reduction of immunoreactive fibers within the vestibular nuclear complex of rats, suggesting that the source of these immunoreactive fibers is LC. Retrograde tracer injections into the vestibular nuclei resulted in labeled cells in the ipsilateral, caudal LC and adjacent nucleus subcoeruleus. It is hypothesized that the regional differences in noradrenergic innervation are a substrate for differentially altering vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal responses during changes in alertness or vigilance.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Schuerger
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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