Antisecretory Factor in rat cerebellar granule cells augments inhibitory current via GABAA receptors: a mechanism for vertigo reduction in Menière’s disease?

In this review we propose a mechanism by which the antisecretory factor AF may decrease vertigo symptoms in Menière’s disease patients. This review is based on our previously published work and suggests a way of interpretation of the results obtained in view of the clinical effect of AF factor against vertigo caused by Menière’s disease. The Antisecretory Factor (AF) is an endogenous protein regulating water and ion transport across cellular membranes. AF was originally discovered and isolated from rat and pig pituitary gland but later it has been isolated from all mammalian and non-mammalian tissues examined. It has shown positive effects in patients with Mb Crohn, Colitis Ulcerosa and Mastitis with regression of clinical symptoms and inflammatory parameters. AF is also effective in suppressing traumatically induced increases of intra-cranial pressure (ICP). Another interesting activity of this protein is its anti-vertigo action in patients with Menière’s disease. We studied rat cerebellar granule cells in culture and demonstrated increases by AF of the inhibitory current activated by GABA at synapses. This implies strong inhibition of cerebellar granule cells in situ. The connection of cerebellum to other brain areas would finally result in activation of vestibular Deiters’ neurons in the brainstem, controlling antigravity neurons in the spinal cord. These actions may contribute to counteracting vertigo in Menière’s disease.