LXVIII The Mechanism of Vestibular Suppression

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Abstract
The consequence of repeated cupula deflection, vestibular suppression, is seen in man and a variety of animals. It appears to be a selective suppression of only the unwanted results of cupula deflection in figure skaters. It is likely a central process. An animal study was carried out to investigate it. Using a high speed axial rotation device, cats were put into suppression. End-organ damage from very strong decelerations was felt not responsible for the response decline observed; as determined by three different experiments. The parameters of suppression were studied in the cat. Ablation experiments were carried out in suppressed cats, involving the superior and lateral vestibular nuclei. Release of suppression was observed. This was greatest when both nuclei together were destroyed. Lesions were proven histologically. Degenerating efferent vestibular nerve fibers were identified in all three cats in which they were sought Efferent vestibular fibers ending on the hair cell or the beginning of the afferent neuron and regulating the afferent discharge flow, may be the mechanism and vestibular suppression, but some other mechanism cannot be excluded.

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