# MEMRI as an in vivo marker for changes in neuronal activity in central vestibular pathways

> **NIH VA I21** · JOHN D DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER · 2024 · —

## Abstract

Vestibular organs transmit key information to central vestibular nuclei that control body
position and movement in space as well as posture. Exposure to loud noise can result in
dizziness, imbalance, and poor postural control, symptoms which suggest damage to the
vestibular system. Military personnel, who are usually exposed to loud noise during training and
while in theater, are more likely to experience these symptoms. Often symptoms dissipate and
the system appears to be repaired. However, the subtle effect of noise damage may be
cumulative and go unnoticed until the system is challenged, or symptoms manifest later in life
when unsteady gait, imbalance, and poor posture become prominent. This puts our Veterans at
higher risk for falls as they age. Falls account for more than 50% of accidental deaths. Current
tests of otolith function are largely indirect and measures of central vestibular dysfunction are
understudied. Identifying, understanding, and testing interventions for vestibular dysfunction in
humans and in pre-clinical models requires central assessment tools, which are currently lacking
in the field.
 The current studies will examine noise effects on central pathways while validating tools
for future assessment of chronic effects. The goal is to provide a basis for future studies that will
explore longitudinal changes centrally and correlate those changes with behavioral deficits. We
propose to examine the impact of noise on the relationship between peripheral stimulation and
central activity in central brain regions. First, we will compare patterns of activation centrally after
stimulation of otolith vs canal using in vitro and in vivo markers of neuronal activity (Specific Aim
1). In Specific Aim 2, we will use these markers of neuronal activity to assess activity in central
vestibular pathways following the same stimulation delivered in Specific Aim 1 at two time points
after noise exposure. Functional and histological changes will also be assessed.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10805549
- **Project number:** 1I21RX004111-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHN D DINGELL VA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Avril Genene Holt
- **Activity code:** I21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-01-01 → 2025-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10805549

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10805549, MEMRI as an in vivo marker for changes in neuronal activity in central vestibular pathways (1I21RX004111-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10805549. Licensed CC0.

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