Plasticity of spinovestibular projections in response to hemicerebellectomy in newborn rats

Spinal cord projections to the lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN) are relatively sparse in normal adult black-hooded rats. However, in response to hemicerebellectomy in 2--3-day-old rats an increase in spinovestibular fibers to the ipsilateral lateral vestibular nucleus was observed. This increased input appears to be due to fibers which would normally be destined for the cerebellum but which alternatively project to the functionally related lateral vestibular nucleus. Considering the neuroanatomical relationships between the cerebellum and the vestibular nuclei and in view of the functional compensation frequently reported after cerebellar lesions, the observed remodelling may represent a partial anatomical basis for recovery of function.