Dendritic Growth Following Labyrinthectomy in the Squirrel Monkey:Light and Electron Microscopic Studies

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Abstract
In the squirrel monkey (S. sciureus) peripheral vestibular dendrites underwent degeneration after destruction of the vestibular end organs (labyrinthectomy). The dendrites subsequently grew into the remodelled area where the end organs, surrounding tissues and inner ear fluid spaces were previously located, and were progressively occupied by connective tissue, blood vessels and also new bone. Evidently, peripheral vestibular dendrites of adult squirrel monkey can grow, Schwann cells migrate along with these dendrites, and myelin can be formed in vivo in locations not previously destined for myelination. The importance of these findings in relation to the plastic properties of the squirrel monkey vestibular nerve is discussed.