Cerebellar Circuit Mechanisms Which Accompany Coordinated Limb Trajectory Patterns in the Rat: Use of a Model of Spontaneous Changes in Limb Coordination
Abstract
The olivo-cerebellar circuit plays a role in the coordination of the distal limbs. The present study was proposed to determine the behavior of individual neurons in this circuit, recorded chronically as ensembles of 10-20 during tests of limb coordination across spontaneous changes in limb coordination. Hormone (estrous) and circadian cycles are known to be associated with improvements in the speed and accuracy of limb trajectory, and will be used in this study as a model of changes in performance. Underlying circuit properties which accompany changes in performance will be assessed during performance paradigms. Rats, chronically implanted with microwires in the dorsal accessory olive and arrays of Purkinje cells in the paravermal cerebellum will be monitored during treadmill paradigms employing constant speed, variable acceleration and perturbed gait. Single unit discharge will then be analyzed and correlated with changes in performance associated with hormone state. The following parameters will be assessed: (1) step-cycle correlated discharge, (2) the strength of olivo-cerebellar connections, using cross-correlation techniques, (3) the degree of synchronized olivary oscillatory discharge, a putative timing mechanism for rapid movements and (4) changes in center-surround properties of adjacent arrays of Purkinje cells. Network, Purkinje cell, Dorsal accessory olive, Oscillations, Center-surround, Limb coordination, Hormone/ circadian cycle
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA284023
Entities
People
- Sheryl S. Smith