动物前庭功能的评价方法

Methods of vestibular function evaluation in animals

前庭神经系统障碍可导致人和动物空间定向和平衡功能的紊乱;前庭是内耳的重要组成部分,其起源与耳蜗相同,发育早于耳蜗,哺乳动物出生时前庭发育基本完成^([1-3]);随着各种前庭功能障碍的动物模型(大鼠"异食癖"晕动病模型、水貂呕吐模型等)不断建立,人们对该系统组织结构、功能的认识更加深入;系统的动物前庭功能评价方法不仅对动物前庭的基础研究至关重要,而且有助于对临床上前庭疾病的诊疗。评价人前庭功能的方法有很多:对半规管功能进行检测的冷热试验检查、对球囊斑功能进行检测的c VEMP、对椭圆囊斑进行检测的o VEMP等,由于人的实验研究受制于伦理学的限制,只有进行动物实验才能更深入地了解前庭的功能和结构,不断提升前庭系统临床疾病的诊断与治疗水平^([4])。本综述主要介绍几种用于实验动物的前庭检查方法,并简述其与临床前庭功能检查的异同。

Vestibular nervous system dysfunction can cause spatial orientation and balance disorders in both people and animals. The vestibule is an important part of the inner ear, with the same origin as but earlier development than the cochlea, essentially matured at birth in mammals～（[1-3]）. With a variety of animal models of vestibular dysfunction being developed（pica rat model of motion sickness, vomiting mink model, etc.）, understanding of the structure and function of the vestibular system has been continuously deepened. A systematic vestibular function evaluation system is not only important in basic research in animal models, but also helpful in diagnosis and treatment of vestibular diseases in the clinic. A number of vestibular evaluation methods exist, including caloric test to evaluate semicircular canal functions, c VEMP to evaluate saccular function and o VEMP to evaluate utricular function. Studies in human subjects are limited by ethical constrains, and animal studies are needed to advance understanding of vestibular structures and function and to improve diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders～（[4]）. Experimental animals, however, are unable to cooperate during vestibular function examination, the approach, therefore, must be different in animals than in people. This review focuses on several approaches for vestibular examination in animals.