Dendritic growth following labyrinthectomy in the squirrel monkey. Light and electron microscopic studies.

In the squirrel monkey (Saimiri 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. This finding indicates that peripheral vestibular dendrites of adult squirrel monkey can grow, that Schwann cells migrate along with these dendrites, and that 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.