A novel mouse model of acute vestibular dysfunction via semicircular canal injection of absolute ethanol.

OBJECTIVE

Various vestibular pathology models have been developed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of vestibular diseases; however, there is a notable absence of minimally invasive mouse model of vestibular dysfunction. In this study, we established a novel model and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of vestibular function alongside various behavioral assessments.

METHODS

We developed a surgical procedure involving canalostomy followed by injection of absolute ethanol into the semicircular canal of mice. Histological analysis and auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing were conducted to confirm vestibular and cochlear damage. Vestibular dysfunction was assessed using a syndrome scoring system, the horizontal angular vestibulo-ocular reflex (hVOR) test, and the rotarod test. Additionally, home-cage behavior was recorded to evaluate spontaneous behavioral changes.

RESULTS

The surgical procedure resulted in significant, irreversible damage to the vestibulocochlear structures at the pre-ganglionic level. The model exhibited severe vestibular symptoms, including acute weight loss, postural deviation, reduced locomotor ability, and impaired hVOR function. Static vestibular compensation was observed within 14 days post-surgery, whereas dynamic compensation progressed more gradually. Home-cage behavior monitoring revealed increased walking and turning activity, accompanied by a reduction in other dynamic and exploratory behaviors (sniffing, rearing, and hanging) compared to sham controls. In contrast, basic behaviors related to survival (sleeping, drinking, eating, and grooming) were largely preserved.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we successfully established a novel mouse model of acute vestibular dysfunction via semicircular canal injection of absolute ethanol. This model is minimally invasive, reproducible, and exhibits consistent behavioral phenotypes, making it a valuable tool for studying peripheral vestibular disorders and their compensatory mechanisms.