Research ReportResponsiveness of rat vestibular ganglion neurons to exogenous neurotrophic factors during postnatal development in dissociated cultures

We examined the responsiveness of rat vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs) to exogenous neurotrophic factors, BDNF, NT-3, and GDNF, during postnatal development in dissociated cultures. VGNs were obtained from postnatal days (P) 1, 3, 7, and 14. After two days in culture, the survival of VGNs in control cultures without any exogenous neurotrophic factors was greater in younger (P1 or 3) rats than older (P7 or 14) rats. None of the three neurotrophic factors used facilitated survival of VGNs from older rats while only BDNF facilitated survival of VGNs from younger rats. BDNF was also effective both for increasing neurite sprouting in VGNs from younger rats and for neurite extension in VGNs from each of the postnatal ages. VGNs from P1 rats showed responsiveness to all three neurotrophic factors in their neurite sprouting. Developmental changes of VGNs in their responsiveness to exogenous neurotrophic factors should be considered in treating or preventing neuronal degeneration caused by peripheral vestibular lesions.

► VGNs change their responsiveness to neurotrophic factors during postnatal periods. ► Only BDNF facilitated survival of VGNs from younger rats. ► BDNF was effective for increasing neurite sprouting in VGNs from younger rats. ► BDNF was effective for neurite extension in VGNs from each of the postnatal ages. ► All neurotrophic factors facilitated neurite sprouting in VGNs from P1 rats.