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Exploring vestibulocerebellum-vestibular nuclei-spinal trigeminal nucleus causals communication and TRPV2 ion channel in a mouse model of vestibular migraine

Qingling Zhai, Qihui Chen, Ning Zhang, Hong-Yan Li, Qi-Jun Yu, Yong-Hui Pan

The Journal of Headache and Pain, 2025

17 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vestibular migraine (VM) is a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of dizziness or vertigo and is often accompanied by headache. The mechanisms underlying vestibular dysfunction and pain in VM remain unclear.

METHODS: Chronic migraine (CM) and VM models were induced by NTG and kainic acid, respectively. Behavioral assessments were conducted to evaluate vestibular dysfunction and pain in the VM and CM models. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to examine peripheral receptor impairment. Immunofluorescence, including staining for Cellular Proto-oncogene (c-Fos), Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), identified activated brain regions such as the cortex, midbrain, and cerebellum. Multiplex immunohistochemistry and cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) tracing were performed to analyze nuclear heterogeneity and neural communication. Additionally, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) immunostaining were used to investigate ion channel expression in the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Sp5c).

RESULTS: CM and VM-related behaviors, such as allodynia and balance disturbance, were successfully reproduced in mouse model. TEM revealed significant damage to peripheral sensory receptors, particularly in the trigeminal ganglion and cochlear cells. Distinct activation patterns of c-Fos and CGRP were observed in VMs and CMs. CTB tracing confirmed that signals are transmitted from the…

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