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Central histaminergic modulation of vestibular function--a review

Bergquist F, Dutia M B

Centre for Integrative Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD

Abstract

Histaminergic drugs have long been used to treat balance disorders in man, but their mechanisms of action in the vestibular system are poorly understood. In this article we review the current literature on histaminergic neurotransmission in the brain focussing particularly in the brainstem vestibular nuclei, and the role of histamine in brain plasticity during “vestibular compensation”, the behavioural recovery that takes place after unilateral peripheral vestibular damage. Evidence that histaminergic compounds may facilitate vestibular compensation is reviewed, and we discuss the potential of histaminergic drugs for clinical use.

Key words: Histamine;vestibular system;plasticity;vestibular compensation

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Citing This Article：

Bergquist F, Dutia M B. Central histaminergic modulation of vestibular function--a review. Acta Physiol Sin 2006; 58 (4): (in Chinese with English abstract).