Sequential micro-PET based brain imaging in the unilateral labyrithectomy rat model: insights to compensatory brain plasticity

Objectives: Characterization of dynamic brain activation patterns in vestibular damage and compensation. Methods: Left-sided unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) was performed by drilling into the vestibule and removing its contents through aspiration in 3-month old Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6). As a control group animals were given a surgical sham treatment identical to the UL procedure without damage to the inner ear. Sequential [18F]-Fluoro-desoxyglucose micro-PET imaging was done in all animals on day 1 before and days 1, 2, 5 and 12 after UL and sham surgery. At same time points vestibular deficits were scored for…