Abstract
Autoradiographic 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) procedures were used to map the activity in the cerebellum and vestibular nuclei during electrical stimulation of the midbrain reticular formation (MRF) in unrestrained rats. The major finding was a large increase in 2-DG uptake observed in the flocculus of MRF-stimulated rats. The peak of labeling in the flocculus was greater than any other peak of labeling measured in the cerebellum of MRF-stimulated or control rats. Structures showing significant decreases in 2-DG uptake included the 3 deep cerebellar nuclei and the 3 vestibular nuclei. The most pronounced suppressive effects of MRF stimulation were on the medial and lateral vestibular nuclei. The changes in metabolic revealed by 2-DG provide a first anatomical demonstration of: (1) the activating effects of MRF stimulation on the flocculus; and (2) the suppressive effects of MRF stimulation on deep cerebellar and vestibular nuclei. The observed patterns of metabolic activation and suppression were correlated with the known electrophysiological properties of the structures affected by MRF stimulation. The findings are consistent with specific effects of MRF stimulation on floccular-vestibular-visual interactions that may be disruption to learning functions such as adaptability of the vestibulo-ocular reflex. The effects of MRF stimulation on the deep cerebellar nuclei are also consistent with a potential disruption of somatomotor learning-related activities in these nuclei. The results support the existence of MRF mechanisms for the modulation of integrative sensory-motor functions in the cerebellum.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
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.