Abstract

Vestibular and optokinetic space is represented in three-dimensions in vermal lobules IX-X (uvula, nodulus) and hemisphere lobule X (flocculus) of the cerebellum. Vermal lobules IX-X encodes gravity and head movement using the utricular otolith and the two vertical semicircular canals. Hemispheric lobule X encodes self-motion using optokinetic feedback about the three axes of the semicircular canals. Vestibular and visual adaptation of this circuitry is needed to maintain balance during perturbations of self-induced motion. Vestibular and optokinetic (self-motion detection) stimulation is encoded by cerebellar climbing and mossy fibers. These two afferent pathways excite the discharge of Purkinje cells directly. Climbing fibers preferentially decrease the discharge of Purkinje cells by exciting stellate cell inhibitory interneurons. We describe instances adaptive balance at a behavioral level in which prolonged vestibular or optokinetic stimulation evokes reflexive eye movements that persist when the stimulation that initially evoked them stops. Adaptation to prolonged optokinetic stimulation also can be detected at cellular and subcellular levels. The transcription and expression of a neuropeptide, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), is influenced by optokinetically-evoked olivary discharge and may contribute to optokinetic adaptation. The transcription and expression of microRNAs in floccular Purkinje cells evoked by long-term optokinetic stimulation may provide one of the subcellular mechanisms by which the membrane insertion of the GABAA receptors is regulated. The neurosteroids, estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), influence adaptation of vestibular nuclear neurons to electrically-induced potentiation and depression. In each section of this review, we discuss how adaptive changes in the vestibular and optokinetic subsystems of lobule X, inferior olivary nuclei and vestibular nuclei may contribute to the control of balance.

Highlights

  • Vestibular and optokinetic space is represented in three-dimensions in vermal lobules IX-X and hemispheric lobule X of the cerebellum

  • Purkinje cells in left vermal lobule X receive vestibular primary afferent mossy fiber projections that originate from the left vestibular endorgans

  • horizontal optokinetic stimulation (HOKS) in the null (A→P) direction is given for 48 h and the animal is allowed to recover for 18 h in the dark, elevated expression of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is found in the dorsal cap of Kooy (DC) contralateral to the eye previously stimulated in the AP direction (Figure 12D) [154]

Read more

Summary

Adaptive Balance in Posterior Cerebellum

Hemispheric lobule X encodes self-motion using optokinetic feedback about the three axes of the semicircular canals. Vestibular and visual adaptation of this circuitry is needed to maintain balance during perturbations of self-induced motion. Vestibular and optokinetic (self-motion detection) stimulation is encoded by cerebellar climbing and mossy fibers. These two afferent pathways excite the discharge of Purkinje cells directly. The transcription and expression of a neuropeptide, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), is influenced by optokinetically-evoked olivary discharge and may contribute to optokinetic adaptation. In each section of this review, we discuss how adaptive changes in the vestibular and optokinetic subsystems of lobule X, inferior olivary nuclei and vestibular nuclei may contribute to the control of balance

INTRODUCTION
Cerebellar Adaptation
Inferior Olivary Neurons Receive a GABAergic Projection From Psol Neurons
Floccular Optokinetic Zones Are Demarcated Anatomically and Physiologically
The Antiphasic Discharge of CSs and SSs Depends Climbing Fibers
Activity of Floccular CSs Influences the Discharge of MVN Neurons
Hemispheric Lobule X Contributes Optokinetic Stabilization to Postural Control
HOKS of CSs Evokes Epigenetic Changes in Transcription
HOKS Evokes Increased Transcription of Several microRNAs
Plasticity of Neurons in the Medial Vestibular Nucleus
Findings
Cerebellar Functions and Cellular Mechanisms

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.