Delayed spontaneous alternation in Purkinje cell degeneration mutant mice

Abstract

Purkinje cell degeneration ( pcd) mutant mice lose cerebellar Purkinje cells. It was found that pcd mice, contrary to normal mice, did not alternate spontaneously at any of 3 inter-trial intervals (15 s, 3 or 6 min). Deficits in spontaneous alternation are typical of animals with brain damage in areas important in spatial learning. Results are discussed in terms of a role for the cerebellum in spatially mediated behavior and behavioral inhibition.