1
|
Parras GG, Delgado-García JM, López-Ramos JC, Gruart A, Leal-Campanario R. Cerebellar interpositus nucleus exhibits time-dependent errors and predictive responses. NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2024; 9:12. [PMID: 38409163 PMCID: PMC10897197 DOI: 10.1038/s41539-024-00224-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Learning is a functional state of the brain that should be understood as a continuous process, rather than being restricted to the very moment of its acquisition, storage, or retrieval. The cerebellum operates by comparing predicted states with actual states, learning from errors, and updating its internal representation to minimize errors. In this regard, we studied cerebellar interpositus nucleus (IPn) functional capabilities by recording its unitary activity in behaving rabbits during an associative learning task: the classical conditioning of eyelid responses. We recorded IPn neurons in rabbits during classical eyeblink conditioning using a delay paradigm. We found that IPn neurons reduce error signals across conditioning sessions, simultaneously increasing and transmitting spikes before the onset of the unconditioned stimulus. Thus, IPn neurons generate predictions that optimize in time and shape the conditioned eyeblink response. Our results are consistent with the idea that the cerebellum works under Bayesian rules updating the weights using the previous history.
Collapse
Grants
- DOC-00309 Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andalucía (Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, Government of Andalucia)
- BIO-122 Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo, Junta de Andalucía (Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment, Government of Andalucia)
- PID2021-122446NB-100 Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria G Parras
- Division of Neurosciences, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain.
| | | | | | - Agnès Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fradley R, Goetghebeur P, Miller D, Burley R, Almond S, Gruart I Massó A, Delgado García JM, Zhu B, Howley E, Neill JC, Grayson B, Gaskin P, Carlton M, Gray I, Serrats J, Davies CH. Luvadaxistat: A Novel Potent and Selective D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitor Improves Cognitive and Social Deficits in Rodent Models for Schizophrenia. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3027-3041. [PMID: 37289348 PMCID: PMC10471729 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03956-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunctionality is a well-studied hypothesis for schizophrenia pathophysiology, and daily dosing of the NMDA receptor co-agonist, D-serine, in clinical trials has shown positive effects in patients. Therefore, inhibition of D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) has the potential to be a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. TAK-831 (luvadaxistat), a novel, highly potent inhibitor of DAAO, significantly increases D-serine levels in the rodent brain, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid. This study shows luvadaxistat to be efficacious in animal tests of cognition and in a translational animal model for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. This is demonstrated when luvadaxistat is dosed alone and in conjunction with a typical antipsychotic. When dosed chronically, there is a suggestion of change in synaptic plasticity as seen by a leftward shift in the maximum efficacious dose in several studies. This is suggestive of enhanced activation of NMDA receptors in the brain and confirmed by modulation of long-term potentiation after chronic dosing. DAAO is highly expressed in the cerebellum, an area of increasing interest for schizophrenia, and luvadaxistat was shown to be efficacious in a cerebellar-dependent associative learning task. While luvadaxistat ameliorated the deficit seen in sociability in two different negative symptom tests of social interaction, it failed to show an effect in endpoints of negative symptoms in clinical trials. These results suggest that luvadaxistat potentially could be used to improve cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia, which is not well addressed with current antipsychotic medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Fradley
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - David Miller
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Sarah Almond
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Bin Zhu
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eimear Howley
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jo C Neill
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ben Grayson
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Philip Gaskin
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark Carlton
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ian Gray
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jordi Serrats
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda California, 9625 Towne Centre Dr, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA.
| | - Ceri H Davies
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Martín R, Suárez-Pinilla AS, García-Font N, Laguna-Luque ML, López-Ramos JC, Oset-Gasque MJ, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM, Torres M, Sánchez-Prieto J. The activation of mGluR4 rescues parallel fiber synaptic transmission and LTP, motor learning and social behavior in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. Mol Autism 2023; 14:14. [PMID: 37029391 PMCID: PMC10082511 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited intellectual disability, is caused by the loss of expression of the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that negatively regulates the expression of many postsynaptic as well as presynaptic proteins involved in action potential properties, calcium homeostasis and neurotransmitter release. FXS patients and mice lacking FMRP suffer from multiple behavioral alterations, including deficits in motor learning for which there is currently no specific treatment. METHODS We performed electron microscopy, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and behavioral experiments to characterise the synaptic mechanisms underlying the motor learning deficits observed in Fmr1KO mice and the therapeutic potential of positive allosteric modulator of mGluR4. RESULTS We found that enhanced synaptic vesicle docking of cerebellar parallel fiber to Purkinje cell Fmr1KO synapses was associated with enhanced asynchronous release, which not only prevents further potentiation, but it also compromises presynaptic parallel fiber long-term potentiation (PF-LTP) mediated by β adrenergic receptors. A reduction in extracellular Ca2+ concentration restored the readily releasable pool (RRP) size, basal synaptic transmission, β adrenergic receptor-mediated potentiation, and PF-LTP. Interestingly, VU 0155041, a selective positive allosteric modulator of mGluR4, also restored both the RRP size and PF-LTP in mice of either sex. Moreover, when injected into Fmr1KO male mice, VU 0155041 improved motor learning in skilled reaching, classical eyeblink conditioning and vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) tests, as well as the social behavior alterations of these mice. LIMITATIONS We cannot rule out that the activation of mGluR4s via systemic administration of VU0155041 can also affect other brain regions. Further studies are needed to stablish the effect of a specific activation of mGluR4 in cerebellar granule cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that an increase in synaptic vesicles, SV, docking may cause the loss of PF-LTP and motor learning and social deficits of Fmr1KO mice and that the reversal of these changes by pharmacological activation of mGluR4 may offer therapeutic relief for motor learning and social deficits in FXS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Martín
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alberto Samuel Suárez-Pinilla
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria García-Font
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simon Initiative for Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH89JZ, UK
| | | | - Juan C López-Ramos
- Division de Neurociencias, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María Jesús Oset-Gasque
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense, Instituto Universitario Investigación en Neuroquímica, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agnes Gruart
- Division de Neurociencias, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Magdalena Torres
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Sánchez-Prieto
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Parras GG, Leal-Campanario R, López-Ramos JC, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM. Functional properties of eyelid conditioned responses and involved brain centers. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1057251. [PMID: 36570703 PMCID: PMC9780278 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1057251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
For almost a century the classical conditioning of nictitating membrane/eyelid responses has been used as an excellent and feasible experimental model to study how the brain organizes the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of new motor abilities in alert behaving mammals, including humans. Lesional, pharmacological, and electrophysiological approaches, and more recently, genetically manipulated animals have shown the involvement of numerous brain areas in this apparently simple example of associative learning. In this regard, the cerebellum (both cortex and nuclei) has received particular attention as a putative site for the acquisition and storage of eyelid conditioned responses, a proposal not fully accepted by all researchers. Indeed, the acquisition of this type of learning implies the activation of many neural processes dealing with the sensorimotor integration and the kinematics of the acquired ability, as well as with the attentional and cognitive aspects also involved in this process. Here, we address specifically the functional roles of three brain structures (red nucleus, cerebellar interpositus nucleus, and motor cortex) mainly involved in the acquisition and performance of eyelid conditioned responses and three other brain structures (hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and claustrum) related to non-motor aspects of the acquisition process. The main conclusion is that the acquisition of this motor ability results from the contribution of many cortical and subcortical brain structures each one involved in specific (motor and cognitive) aspects of the learning process.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim G, Laurens J, Yakusheva TA, Blazquez PM. The Macaque Cerebellar Flocculus Outputs a Forward Model of Eye Movement. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:12. [PMID: 31024268 PMCID: PMC6460257 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) achieves fine motor control by generating predictions of the consequences of the motor command, often called forward models of the movement. These predictions are used centrally to detect not-self generated sensations, to modify ongoing movements, and to induce motor learning. However, finding a neuronal correlate of forward models has proven difficult. In the oculomotor system, we can identify neuronal correlates of forward models vs. neuronal correlates of motor commands by examining neuronal responses during smooth pursuit at eccentric eye positions. During pursuit, torsional eye movement information is not present in the motor command, but it is generated by the mechanic of the orbit. Importantly, the directionality and approximate magnitude of torsional eye movement follow the half angle rule. We use this rule to investigate the role of the cerebellar flocculus complex (FL, flocculus and ventral paraflocculus) in the generation of forward models of the eye. We found that mossy fibers (input elements to the FL) did not change their response to pursuit with eccentricity. Thus, they do not carry torsional eye movement information. However, vertical Purkinje cells (PCs; output elements of the FL) showed a preference for counter-clockwise (CCW) eye velocity [corresponding to extorsion (outward rotation) of the ipsilateral eye]. We hypothesize that FL computes an estimate of torsional eye movement since torsion is present in PCs but not in mossy fibers. Overall, our results add to those of other laboratories in supporting the existence in the CNS of a predictive signal constructed from motor command information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyutae Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jean Laurens
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tatyana A Yakusheva
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Pablo M Blazquez
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moscato L, Montagna I, De Propris L, Tritto S, Mapelli L, D'Angelo E. Long-Lasting Response Changes in Deep Cerebellar Nuclei in vivo Correlate With Low-Frequency Oscillations. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:84. [PMID: 30894802 PMCID: PMC6414422 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) have been suggested to play a critical role in sensorimotor learning and some forms of long-term synaptic plasticity observed in vitro have been proposed as a possible substrate. However, till now it was not clear whether and how DCN neuron responses manifest long-lasting changes in vivo. Here, we have characterized DCN unit responses to tactile stimulation of the facial area in anesthetized mice and evaluated the changes induced by theta-sensory stimulation (TSS), a 4 Hz stimulation pattern that is known to induce plasticity in the cerebellar cortex in vivo. DCN units responded to tactile stimulation generating bursts and pauses, which reflected combinations of excitatory inputs most likely relayed by mossy fiber collaterals, inhibitory inputs relayed by Purkinje cells, and intrinsic rebound firing. Interestingly, initial bursts and pauses were often followed by stimulus-induced oscillations in the peri-stimulus time histograms (PSTH). TSS induced long-lasting changes in DCN unit responses. Spike-related potentiation and suppression (SR-P and SR-S), either in units initiating the response with bursts or pauses, were correlated with stimulus-induced oscillations. Fitting with resonant functions suggested the existence of peaks in the theta-band (burst SR-P at 9 Hz, pause SR-S at 5 Hz). Optogenetic stimulation of the cerebellar cortex altered stimulus-induced oscillations suggesting that Purkinje cells play a critical role in the circuits controlling DCN oscillations and plasticity. This observation complements those reported before on the granular and molecular layers supporting the generation of multiple distributed plasticities in the cerebellum following naturally patterned sensory entrainment. The unique dependency of DCN plasticity on circuit oscillations discloses a potential relationship between cerebellar learning and activity patterns generated in the cerebellar network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Moscato
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ileana Montagna
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Licia De Propris
- Brain Connectivity Center, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Tritto
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Egidio D'Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Brain Connectivity Center, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Caro-Martín CR, Delgado-García JM, Gruart A, Sánchez-Campusano R. Spike sorting based on shape, phase, and distribution features, and K-TOPS clustering with validity and error indices. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17796. [PMID: 30542106 PMCID: PMC6290782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35491-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spike sorting is one of the most important data analysis problems in neurophysiology. The precision in all steps of the spike-sorting procedure critically affects the accuracy of all subsequent analyses. After data preprocessing and spike detection have been carried out properly, both feature extraction and spike clustering are the most critical subsequent steps of the spike-sorting procedure. The proposed spike sorting approach comprised a new feature extraction method based on shape, phase, and distribution features of each spike (hereinafter SS-SPDF method), which reveal significant information of the neural events under study. In addition, we applied an efficient clustering algorithm based on K-means and template optimization in phase space (hereinafter K-TOPS) that included two integrative clustering measures (validity and error indices) to verify the cohesion-dispersion among spike events during classification and the misclassification of clustering, respectively. The proposed method/algorithm was tested on both simulated data and real neural recordings. The results obtained for these datasets suggest that our spike sorting approach provides an efficient way for sorting both single-unit spikes and overlapping waveforms. By analyzing raw extracellular recordings collected from the rostral-medial prefrontal cortex (rmPFC) of behaving rabbits during classical eyeblink conditioning, we have demonstrated that the present method/algorithm performs better at classifying spikes and neurons and at assessing their modulating properties than other methods currently used in neurophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Agnès Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, 41013, Spain
| | - R Sánchez-Campusano
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, 41013, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sergaki MC, López-Ramos JC, Stagkourakis S, Gruart A, Broberger C, Delgado-García JM, Ibáñez CF. Compromised Survival of Cerebellar Molecular Layer Interneurons Lacking GDNF Receptors GFRα1 or RET Impairs Normal Cerebellar Motor Learning. Cell Rep 2018; 19:1977-1986. [PMID: 28591570 PMCID: PMC5469938 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of neurotrophic factors as endogenous survival proteins for brain neurons remains contentious. In the cerebellum, the signals controlling survival of molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) are unknown, and direct evidence for the requirement of a full complement of MLIs for normal cerebellar function and motor learning has been lacking. Here, we show that Purkinje cells (PCs), the target of MLIs, express the neurotrophic factor GDNF during MLI development and survival of MLIs depends on GDNF receptors GFRα1 and RET. Conditional mutant mice lacking either receptor lose a quarter of their MLIs, resulting in compromised synaptic inhibition of PCs, increased PC firing frequency, and abnormal acquisition of eyeblink conditioning and vestibulo-ocular reflex performance, but not overall motor activity or coordination. These results identify an endogenous survival mechanism for MLIs and reveal the unexpected vulnerability and selective requirement of MLIs in the control of cerebellar-dependent motor learning. The signals controlling survival of molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) are unclear Whether MLIs are involved in normal cerebellar function was unclear Purkinje cells express GDNF, and survival of MLIs depends on GDNF receptors GFRα1 and RET Requirement of MLIs for cerebellar-dependent motor learning
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Agnès Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville 41013, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos F Ibáñez
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm S-17177, Sweden; Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore; Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen H, Wang YJ, Yang L, Sui JF, Hu ZA, Hu B. Theta synchronization between medial prefrontal cortex and cerebellum is associated with adaptive performance of associative learning behavior. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20960. [PMID: 26879632 PMCID: PMC4754690 DOI: 10.1038/srep20960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Associative learning is thought to require coordinated activities among distributed brain regions. For example, to direct behavior appropriately, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) must encode and maintain sensory information and then interact with the cerebellum during trace eyeblink conditioning (TEBC), a commonly-used associative learning model. However, the mechanisms by which these two distant areas interact remain elusive. By simultaneously recording local field potential (LFP) signals from the mPFC and the cerebellum in guinea pigs undergoing TEBC, we found that theta-frequency (5.0-12.0 Hz) oscillations in the mPFC and the cerebellum became strongly synchronized following presentation of auditory conditioned stimulus. Intriguingly, the conditioned eyeblink response (CR) with adaptive timing occurred preferentially in the trials where mPFC-cerebellum theta coherence was stronger. Moreover, both the mPFC-cerebellum theta coherence and the adaptive CR performance were impaired after the disruption of endogenous orexins in the cerebellum. Finally, association of the mPFC -cerebellum theta coherence with adaptive CR performance was time-limited occurring in the early stage of associative learning. These findings suggest that the mPFC and the cerebellum may act together to contribute to the adaptive performance of associative learning behavior by means of theta synchronization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Yi-jie Wang
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Jian-feng Sui
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-an Hu
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kishimoto Y, Yamamoto S, Suzuki K, Toyoda H, Kano M, Tsukada H, Kirino Y. Implicit Memory in Monkeys: Development of a Delay Eyeblink Conditioning System with Parallel Electromyographic and High-Speed Video Measurements. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129828. [PMID: 26068663 PMCID: PMC4466547 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Delay eyeblink conditioning, a cerebellum-dependent learning paradigm, has been applied to various mammalian species but not yet to monkeys. We therefore developed an accurate measuring system that we believe is the first system suitable for delay eyeblink conditioning in a monkey species (Macaca mulatta). Monkey eyeblinking was simultaneously monitored by orbicularis oculi electromyographic (OO-EMG) measurements and a high-speed camera-based tracking system built around a 1-kHz CMOS image sensor. A 1-kHz tone was the conditioned stimulus (CS), while an air puff (0.02 MPa) was the unconditioned stimulus. EMG analysis showed that the monkeys exhibited a conditioned response (CR) incidence of more than 60% of trials during the 5-day acquisition phase and an extinguished CR during the 2-day extinction phase. The camera system yielded similar results. Hence, we conclude that both methods are effective in evaluating monkey eyeblink conditioning. This system incorporating two different measuring principles enabled us to elucidate the relationship between the actual presence of eyelid closure and OO-EMG activity. An interesting finding permitted by the new system was that the monkeys frequently exhibited obvious CRs even when they produced visible facial signs of drowsiness or microsleep. Indeed, the probability of observing a CR in a given trial was not influenced by whether the monkeys closed their eyelids just before CS onset, suggesting that this memory could be expressed independently of wakefulness. This work presents a novel system for cognitive assessment in monkeys that will be useful for elucidating the neural mechanisms of implicit learning in nonhuman primates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kishimoto
- Department of Neurobiophysics, Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Yamamoto
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamakita-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Suzuki
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamakita-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Haruyoshi Toyoda
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamakita-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Tsukada
- Central Research Laboratory, Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., Hamakita-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kirino
- Department of Neurobiophysics, Kagawa School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Kagawa, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hoogland TM, De Gruijl JR, Witter L, Canto CB, De Zeeuw CI. Role of Synchronous Activation of Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Ensembles in Multi-joint Movement Control. Curr Biol 2015; 25:1157-65. [PMID: 25843032 PMCID: PMC4425462 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
It is a longstanding question in neuroscience how elaborate multi-joint movements are coordinated coherently. Microzones of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) are thought to mediate this coordination by controlling the timing of particular motor domains. However, it remains to be elucidated to what extent motor coordination deficits can be correlated with abnormalities in coherent activity within these microzones and to what extent artificially evoked synchronous activity within PC ensembles can elicit multi-joint motor behavior. To study PC ensemble correlates of limb, trunk, and tail movements, we developed a transparent disk treadmill that allows quantitative readout of locomotion and posture parameters in head-fixed mice and simultaneous cellular-resolution imaging and/or optogenetic manipulation. We show that PC ensembles in the ataxic and dystonic mouse mutant tottering have a reduced level of complex spike co-activation, which is delayed relative to movement onset and co-occurs with prolonged swing duration and reduced phase coupling of limb movements as well as with enlarged deflections of body-axis and tail movements. Using optogenetics to increase simple spike rate in PC ensembles, we find that preferred locomotion and posture patterns can be elicited or perturbed depending on the behavioral state. At rest, preferred sequences of limb movements can be elicited, whereas during locomotion, preferred gait-inhibition patterns are evoked. Our findings indicate that synchronous activation of PC ensembles can facilitate initiation and coordination of limb and trunk movements, presumably by tuning downstream systems involved in the execution of behavioral patterns. tg/tg mice show affected swing duration and phase coupling of limb movements PCs in ataxic tg/tg mice show delayed and reduced complex spike (CS) co-activation At rest, simple spike (SS) co-activation can elicit preferred locomotion sequences During locomotion, SS co-activation can be correlated with gait-inhibition patterns
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tycho M Hoogland
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Jornt R De Gruijl
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laurens Witter
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cathrin B Canto
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, Erasmus MC, 3015 GE Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yamaguchi K, Sakurai Y. Spike-Coding Mechanisms of Cerebellar Temporal Processing in Classical Conditioning and Voluntary Movements. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 13:651-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-014-0580-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
13
|
Perciavalle V, Apps R, Bracha V, Delgado-García JM, Gibson AR, Leggio M, Carrel AJ, Cerminara N, Coco M, Gruart A, Sánchez-Campusano R. Consensus paper: current views on the role of cerebellar interpositus nucleus in movement control and emotion. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 12:738-57. [PMID: 23564049 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present paper, we examine the role of the cerebellar interpositus nucleus (IN) in motor and non-motor domains. Recent findings are considered, and we share the following conclusions: IN as part of the olivo-cortico-nuclear microcircuit is involved in providing powerful timing signals important in coordinating limb movements; IN could participate in the timing and performance of ongoing conditioned responses rather than the generation and/or initiation of such responses; IN is involved in the control of reflexive and voluntary movements in a task- and effector system-dependent fashion, including hand movements and associated upper limb adjustments, for quick effective actions; IN develops internal models for dynamic interactions of the motor system with the external environment for anticipatory control of movement; and IN plays a significant role in the modulation of autonomic and emotional functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Perciavalle
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria 6, 95125, Catania, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gruart A, Sánchez-Campusano R, Fernández-Guizán A, Delgado-García JM. A Differential and Timed Contribution of Identified Hippocampal Synapses to Associative Learning in Mice. Cereb Cortex 2014; 25:2542-55. [PMID: 24654258 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is generally assumed that the hippocampus is involved in associative learning, the specific contribution of the different synapses present in its intrinsic circuit or comprising its afferents and efferents is poorly defined. We studied here activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength of 9 hippocampal synapses (corresponding to the intrinsic hippocampal circuitry and to its main inputs and outputs) during the acquisition of a trace eyeblink conditioning in behaving mice. The timing and intensity of synaptic changes across the acquisition process was determined. The evolution of these timed changes in synaptic strength indicated that their functional organization did not coincide with their sequential distribution according to anatomical criteria and connectivity. Furthermore, we explored the functional relevance of the extrinsic and intrinsic afferents to CA3 and CA1 pyramidal neurons, and evaluated the distinct input patterns to the intrinsic hippocampal circuit. Results confirm that the acquisition of a classical eyeblink conditioning is a multisynaptic process in which the contribution of each synaptic contact is different in strength, and takes place at different moments across learning. Thus, the precise and timed activation of multiple hippocampal synaptic contacts during classical eyeblink conditioning evokes a specific, dynamic map of functional synaptic states in that circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville 41013, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kutz DF, Kaulich T, Föhre W, Gerwig M, Timmann D, Kolb FP. Comparison of the classically conditioned withdrawal reflex in cerebellar patients and healthy control subjects during stance: 2. Biomechanical characteristics. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2014; 109:178-92. [PMID: 24445111 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2013.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study addresses cerebellar involvement in classically conditioned nociceptive lower limb withdrawal reflexes in standing humans. A preceding study compared electromyographic activities in leg muscles of eight patients with cerebellar disease (CBL) and eight age-matched controls (CTRL). The present study extends and completes that investigation by recording biomechanical signals from a strain-gauge-equipped platform during paired auditory conditioning stimuli (CS) and unconditioned stimuli (US) trials and during US-alone trials. The withdrawal reflex performance-lifting the stimulated limb (decreasing the vertical force from that leg, i.e. 'unloading') and transferring body weight to the supporting limb (increasing the vertical force from that leg, i.e. 'loading')-was quantified by the corresponding forces exerted onto the platform. The force changes were not simultaneous but occurred as a sequence of multiple force peaks at different times depending on the specific limb task (loading or unloading). Motor learning, expressed by the occurrence of conditioned responses (CR), is characterized by this sequence beginning already within the CSUS window. Loading and unloading were delayed and prolonged in CBL, resulting in incomplete rebalancing during the analysis period. Trajectory loops of the center of vertical pressure-derived from vertical forces-were also incomplete in CBL within the recording period. However, exposing CBL to a CS resulted in motor improvement reflected by shortening the time of rebalancing and by optimizing the trajectory loop. In summary, associative responses in CBL are not absent although they are less frequent and of smaller amplitude than in CTRL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D F Kutz
- Institute of Physiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 12, 80336 München, Germany.
| | - Th Kaulich
- Institute of Physiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 12, 80336 München, Germany.
| | - W Föhre
- Institute of Physiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 12, 80336 München, Germany.
| | - M Gerwig
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany.
| | - D Timmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany.
| | - F P Kolb
- Institute of Physiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 12, 80336 München, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Porras-García ME, Ruiz R, Pérez-Villegas EM, Armengol JÁ. Motor learning of mice lacking cerebellar Purkinje cells. Front Neuroanat 2013; 7:4. [PMID: 23630472 PMCID: PMC3632800 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2013.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum plays a key role in the acquisition and execution of motor tasks whose physiological foundations were postulated on Purkinje cells' long-term depression (LTD). Numerous research efforts have been focused on understanding the cerebellum as a site of learning and/or memory storage. However, the controversy on which part of the cerebellum participates in motor learning, and how the process takes place, remains unsolved. In fact, it has been suggested that cerebellar cortex, deep cerebellar nuclei, and/or their combination with some brain structures other than the cerebellum are responsible for motor learning. Different experimental approaches have been used to tackle this question (cerebellar lesions, pharmacological agonist and/or antagonist of cerebellar neurotransmitters, virus tract tracings, etc.). One of these approaches is the study of spontaneous mutations affecting the cerebellar cortex and depriving it of its main input–output organizer (i.e., the Purkinje cell). In this review, we discuss the results obtained in our laboratory in motor learning of both Lurcher (Lc/+) and tambaleante (tbl/tbl) mice as models of Purkinje-cell-devoid cerebellum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Elena Porras-García
- División de Neurociencias, Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Área de Anatomía y Embriología Humana y Fisiología, Universidad Pablo de Olavide Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kishimoto Y, Hirono M, Atarashi R, Sakaguchi S, Yoshioka T, Katamine S, Kirino Y. Age-dependent impairment of eyeblink conditioning in prion protein-deficient mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e60627. [PMID: 23593266 PMCID: PMC3622692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice lacking the prion protein (PrP(C)) gene (Prnp), Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice, show late-onset cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) degeneration because of ectopic overexpression of PrP(C)-like protein (PrPLP/Dpl). Because PrP(C) is highly expressed in cerebellar neurons (including PCs and granule cells), it may be involved in cerebellar synaptic function and cerebellar cognitive function. However, no studies have been conducted to investigate the possible involvement of PrP(C) and/or PrPLP/Dpl in cerebellum-dependent discrete motor learning. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study was designed to examine cerebellum-dependent delay eyeblink conditioning in Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice in adulthood (16, 40, and 60 weeks of age). The aims of the present study were two-fold: (1) to examine the role of PrP(C) and/or PrPLP/Dpl in cerebellum-dependent motor learning and (2) to confirm the age-related deterioration of eyeblink conditioning in Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice as an animal model of progressive cerebellar degeneration. Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice aged 16 weeks exhibited intact acquisition of conditioned eyeblink responses (CRs), although the CR timing was altered. The same result was observed in another line of PrP(c)-deficient mice, ZrchI PrnP (0/0) mice. However, at 40 weeks of age, CR incidence impairment was observed in Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice. Furthermore, Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice aged 60 weeks showed more significantly impaired CR acquisition than Ngsk Prnp (0/0) mice aged 40 weeks, indicating the temporal correlation between cerebellar PC degeneration and motor learning deficits. Our findings indicate the importance of the cerebellar cortex in delay eyeblink conditioning and suggest an important physiological role of prion protein in cerebellar motor learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Kishimoto
- Laboratory of Neurobiophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moritoshi Hirono
- Laboratory for Motor Learning Control, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Atarashi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Suehiro Sakaguchi
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, The Institute for Enzyme Research, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tohru Yoshioka
- Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shigeru Katamine
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Center for International Collaborative Research, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kirino
- Laboratory of Neurobiophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jurado-Parras MT, Sánchez-Campusano R, Castellanos NP, del-Pozo F, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM. Differential contribution of hippocampal circuits to appetitive and consummatory behaviors during operant conditioning of behaving mice. J Neurosci 2013; 33:2293-304. [PMID: 23392660 PMCID: PMC6619163 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1013-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Operant conditioning is a type of associative learning involving different and complex sensorimotor and cognitive processes. Because the hippocampus has been related to some motor and cognitive functions involved in this type of learning (such as object recognition, spatial orientation, and associative learning tasks), we decided to study in behaving mice the putative changes in strength taking place at the hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses during the acquisition and performance of an operant conditioning task. Mice were chronically implanted with stimulating electrodes in the Schaffer collaterals and with recording electrodes in the hippocampal CA1 area and trained to an operant task using a fixed-ratio (1:1) schedule. We recorded the field EPSPs (fEPSPs) evoked at the CA3-CA1 synapse during the performance of appetitive (going to the lever, lever press) and consummatory (going to the feeder, eating) behaviors. In addition, we recorded the local field potential activity of the CA1 area during similar behavioral displays. fEPSPs evoked at the CA3-CA1 synapse presented larger amplitudes for appetitive than for consummatory behaviors. This differential change in synaptic strength took place in relation to the learning process, depending mainly on the moment in which mice reached the selected criterion. Thus, selective changes in CA3-CA1 synaptic strength were dependent on both the behavior display and the learning stage. In addition, significant changes in theta band power peaks and their corresponding discrete frequencies were noticed during these behaviors across the sequence of events characterizing this type of associative learning but not during the acquisition process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nazareth P. Castellanos
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Madrid Technical University, 28060 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco del-Pozo
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center for Biomedical Technology, Madrid Technical University, 28060 Madrid, Spain
| | - Agnès Gruart
- Division of Neurosciences, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain, and
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Properties of the nucleo-olivary pathway: an in vivo whole-cell patch clamp study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46360. [PMID: 23029495 PMCID: PMC3459892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The inferior olivary nucleus (IO) forms the gateway to the cerebellar cortex and receives feedback information from the cerebellar nuclei (CN), thereby occupying a central position in the olivo-cerebellar loop. Here, we investigated the feedback input from the CN to the IO in vivo in mice using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. This approach allows us to study how the CN-feedback input is integrated with the activity of olivary neurons, while the olivo-cerebellar system and its connections are intact. Our results show how IO neurons respond to CN stimulation sequentially with: i) a short depolarization (EPSP), ii) a hyperpolarization (IPSP) and iii) a rebound depolarization. The latter two phenomena can also be evoked without the EPSPs. The IPSP is sensitive to a GABAA receptor blocker. The IPSP suppresses suprathreshold and subthreshold activity and is generated mainly by activation of the GABAA receptors. The rebound depolarization re-initiates and temporarily phase locks the subthreshold oscillations. Lack of electrotonical coupling does not affect the IPSP of individual olivary neurons, nor the sensitivity of its GABAA receptors to blockers. The GABAergic feedback input from the CN does not only temporarily block the transmission of signals through the IO, it also isolates neurons from the network by shunting the junction current and re-initiates the temporal pattern after a fixed time point. These data suggest that the IO not only functions as a cerebellar controlled gating device, but also operates as a pattern generator for controlling motor timing and/or learning.
Collapse
|
20
|
Dynamic changes in the cerebellar-interpositus/red-nucleus-motoneuron pathway during motor learning. THE CEREBELLUM 2012; 10:702-10. [PMID: 21181461 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-010-0242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role played by the cerebellum in the genesis and control of learned motor responses requires a precise knowledge of interdependent relationships between kinetic neural commands and the performance (kinematics) of the acquired movements. The eyelid motor system is a useful model for studying how simple motor responses are generated and performed. Here, we recorded the activity of interpositus, red nucleus, and/or facial motor neurons during classical eyeblink conditioning, using a delay paradigm. Experiments were carried out in behaving cats, and in conscious wild-type and (Purkinje cell devoid) Lurcher mice. Kinetic variables were determined by recording the firing activities of identified neurons at the mentioned nuclei, whilst kinematic variables were selected from the electromyographic activity of the orbicularis oculi muscle and/or from eyelid position recorded during the conditioned-stimulus/unconditioned-stimulus interval. Whereas motoneurons encoded eyelid kinematics for acquired eyelid responses, interpositus, and red nucleus neurons did not directly encode eyelid performance, and the dynamic association between their neuronal activities was barely significant (from moderate to weak correlation, nonlinear coupling with high asymmetry, and neural firing activities that always lagged the beginning of the conditioned response). Nevertheless, interpositus and red nucleus neurons seem to play a modulating role in the dynamic control of this type of learned motor response, and present interesting adaptive properties in Lurcher mice. The analytical procedures proposed here could be very helpful in defining the functional state corresponding to each stage across the acquisition of new motor and cognitive abilities.
Collapse
|
21
|
Jaeger D. Mini-review: synaptic integration in the cerebellar nuclei--perspectives from dynamic clamp and computer simulation studies. THE CEREBELLUM 2012; 10:659-66. [PMID: 21259124 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-011-0248-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellar nuclei (CN) process inhibition from Purkinje cells (PC) and excitation from mossy and climbing fiber collaterals. CN neurons in slices show intrinsic pacemaking activity, which is easily modulated by synaptic inputs. Our work using dynamic clamping and computer modeling shows that synchronicity between PC inputs is an important factor in determining spike rate and spike timing of CN neurons and that brief pauses in PC inputs provide a potent stimulus to trigger CN spikes. Excitatory input can equally control spike rate, but, due to a large slow, NMDA component also amplifies responses to inhibitory inputs. Intrinsic properties of CN neurons are well suited to provide prolonged responses to strong input transients and could be involved in motor pattern generation. One such specific mechanism is given by fast and slow rebound bursting. Nevertheless, we are just beginning to unravel synaptic integration in the CN, and the outcome of the work to date is best characterized by the generation of new specific questions that lend themselves to a combined experimental and computer modeling approach in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Jaeger
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Manto M, Bower JM, Conforto AB, Delgado-García JM, da Guarda SNF, Gerwig M, Habas C, Hagura N, Ivry RB, Mariën P, Molinari M, Naito E, Nowak DA, Oulad Ben Taib N, Pelisson D, Tesche CD, Tilikete C, Timmann D. Consensus paper: roles of the cerebellum in motor control--the diversity of ideas on cerebellar involvement in movement. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2012; 11:457-87. [PMID: 22161499 PMCID: PMC4347949 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-011-0331-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 539] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in developing models of cerebellar function in sensorimotor control, as well as in identifying key problems that are the focus of current investigation. In this consensus paper, we discuss the literature on the role of the cerebellar circuitry in motor control, bringing together a range of different viewpoints. The following topics are covered: oculomotor control, classical conditioning (evidence in animals and in humans), cerebellar control of motor speech, control of grip forces, control of voluntary limb movements, timing, sensorimotor synchronization, control of corticomotor excitability, control of movement-related sensory data acquisition, cerebro-cerebellar interaction in visuokinesthetic perception of hand movement, functional neuroimaging studies, and magnetoencephalographic mapping of cortico-cerebellar dynamics. While the field has yet to reach a consensus on the precise role played by the cerebellum in movement control, the literature has witnessed the emergence of broad proposals that address cerebellar function at multiple levels of analysis. This paper highlights the diversity of current opinion, providing a framework for debate and discussion on the role of this quintessential vertebrate structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Manto
- Unité d'Etude du Mouvement, FNRS, ULB Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sánchez-Campusano R, Gruart A, Fernández-Mas R, Delgado-García JM. An agonist-antagonist cerebellar nuclear system controlling eyelid kinematics during motor learning. Front Neuroanat 2012; 6:8. [PMID: 22435053 PMCID: PMC3303085 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2012.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of two antagonistic groups of deep cerebellar nuclei neurons has been reported as necessary for a proper dynamic control of learned motor responses. Most models of cerebellar function seem to ignore the biomechanical need for a double activation–deactivation system controlling eyelid kinematics, since most of them accept that, for closing the eyelid, only the activation of the orbicularis oculi (OO) muscle (via the red nucleus to the facial motor nucleus) is necessary, without a simultaneous deactivation of levator palpebrae motoneurons (via unknown pathways projecting to the perioculomotor area). We have analyzed the kinetic neural commands of two antagonistic types of cerebellar posterior interpositus neuron (IPn) (types A and B), the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the OO muscle, and eyelid kinematic variables in alert behaving cats during classical eyeblink conditioning, using a delay paradigm. We addressed the hypothesis that the interpositus nucleus can be considered an agonist–antagonist system controlling eyelid kinematics during motor learning. To carry out a comparative study of the kinetic–kinematic relationships, we applied timing and dispersion pattern analyses. We concluded that, in accordance with a dominant role of cerebellar circuits for the facilitation of flexor responses, type A neurons fire during active eyelid downward displacements—i.e., during the active contraction of the OO muscle. In contrast, type B neurons present a high tonic rate when the eyelids are wide open, and stop firing during any active downward displacement of the upper eyelid. From a functional point of view, it could be suggested that type B neurons play a facilitative role for the antagonistic action of the levator palpebrae muscle. From an anatomical point of view, the possibility that cerebellar nuclear type B neurons project to the perioculomotor area—i.e., more or less directly onto levator palpebrae motoneurons—is highly appealing.
Collapse
|
24
|
Transsynaptic tracing of conditioned eyeblink circuits in the mouse cerebellum. Neuroscience 2011; 203:122-34. [PMID: 22198021 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The eyeblink has long served as a model for motor learning and modulation. However, cerebellar pathways underlying conditioned blinks remain poorly studied in the mouse, and the location of blink-related neurons has never been transsynaptically mapped in the cerebellar cortex. This study aims to rectify this gap in our knowledge. By injecting GFP-expressing Pseudorabies virus (PRV-152) into the mouse orbicularis oculi muscle, neurons in the mouse eyeblink motor control circuit are transsynaptically labeled. In the facial nucleus, labeling was strictly ipsilateral to the injection site and restricted to the dorsolateral rim, consistent with previous studies. The red nucleus is bilaterally labeled at the lateral rim with clear contralateral preference. Previously unreported labeling was found in the ventrolateral red nucleus. Single-step tracing confirmed this area receives projections from eyeblink-related portions of the anterior interpositus and sends projections to eyelid-controlling portions of the facial nucleus. In the deep cerebellar nuclei, blink-related neurons were labeled both in areas associated with blink conditioning and in areas associated with other blink modulation. Finally, novel maps of the cerebellar cortex revealed a characteristic spatiotemporal pattern of labeling. Posterior vermal Purkinje cells were labeled first, followed by anterior vermal cells, then by hemispheric cells.
Collapse
|
25
|
Chettih SN, McDougle SD, Ruffolo LI, Medina JF. Adaptive timing of motor output in the mouse: the role of movement oscillations in eyelid conditioning. Front Integr Neurosci 2011; 5:72. [PMID: 22144951 PMCID: PMC3226833 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2011.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To survive, animals must learn to control their movements with millisecond-level precision, and adjust the kinematics if conditions, or task requirements, change. Here, we examine adaptive timing of motor output in mice, using a simple eyelid conditioning task. Mice were trained to blink in response to a light stimulus that was always followed by a corneal air-puff at a constant time interval. Different mice were trained with different intervals of time separating the onset of the light and the air-puff. As in previous work in other animal species, mice learned to control the speed of the blink, such that the time of maximum eyelid closure matched the interval used during training. However, we found that the time of maximum eyelid speed was always in the first 100 ms after movement onset and did not scale with the training interval, indicating that adaptive timing is not accomplished by slowing down (or speeding up) the eyelid movement uniformly throughout the duration of the blink. A new analysis, specifically designed to examine the kinematics of blinks in single trials, revealed that the underlying control signal responsible for the eyelid movement is made up of oscillatory bursts that are time-locked to the light stimulus at the beginning of the blink, becoming desynchronized later on. Furthermore, mice learn to blink at different speeds and time the movement appropriately by adjusting the amplitude, but not the frequency of the bursts in the eyelid oscillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selmaan N Chettih
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Changes of synaptic ultrastructure in the guinea pig interpositus nuclei associate with response magnitude and timing after trace eyeblink conditioning. Behav Brain Res 2011; 226:529-37. [PMID: 22019363 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Learning-induced changes of synaptic ultrastructure have long been proposed as a mechanism that may contribute to support memory formation. Although recent studies have demonstrated that the interpositus nuclei (IN) play critical role in acquisition and retention of trace conditioned eyeblink responses (CRs), there is now limited evidence associating trace eyeblink conditioning with changes of synaptic ultrastructure in the IN. Here, we investigated this issue using a transmission electron microscope. Adult guinea pigs were randomly allocated to either a trace-paired, delay-paired, unpaired or exposure-only condition. The IN tissue was taken for morphological analysis 1h after the completion of the tenth training session. Serial section analysis of synaptic ultrastructure revealed that trace eyeblink conditioning induced increases in the thickness of excitatory PSD. Classification of the synapses into shape subtypes indicated that the increased thickness of excitatory PSD was mainly attributable to increase in the concave- and convex-shaped synapses. On the contrary, trace eyeblink conditioning resulted in decreases in the thickness of inhibitory PSD. Specifically, these significant changes of PSD thickness were limited to occur in the animals with good behavioral performance. Further analysis of correlations between the trace CR performance and synaptic ultrastructural modifications showed that the thickness of excitatory PSD within the IN correlated with the peak amplitude of trace CRs, whereas the thickness of inhibitory PSD correlated with the onset latency. The present findings suggest that trace eyeblink conditioning induces structural plasticity in the IN, which may play a crucial role in acquiring and executing adaptive eyeblink movements.
Collapse
|
27
|
Sánchez-Campusano R, Gruart A, Delgado-García JM. Timing and causality in the generation of learned eyelid responses. Front Integr Neurosci 2011; 5:39. [PMID: 21941469 PMCID: PMC3171062 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2011.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum-red nucleus-facial motoneuron (Mn) pathway has been reported as being involved in the proper timing of classically conditioned eyelid responses. This special type of associative learning serves as a model of event timing for studying the role of the cerebellum in dynamic motor control. Here, we have re-analyzed the firing activities of cerebellar posterior interpositus (IP) neurons and orbicularis oculi (OO) Mns in alert behaving cats during classical eyeblink conditioning, using a delay paradigm. The aim was to revisit the hypothesis that the IP neurons (IPns) can be considered a neuronal phase-modulating device supporting OO Mns firing with an emergent timing mechanism and an explicit correlation code during learned eyelid movements. Optimized experimental and computational tools allowed us to determine the different causal relationships (temporal order and correlation code) during and between trials. These intra- and inter-trial timing strategies expanding from sub-second range (millisecond timing) to longer-lasting ranges (interval timing) expanded the functional domain of cerebellar timing beyond motor control. Interestingly, the results supported the above-mentioned hypothesis. The causal inferences were influenced by the precise motor and pre-motor spike timing in the cause-effect interval, and, in addition, the timing of the learned responses depended on cerebellar–Mn network causality. Furthermore, the timing of CRs depended upon the probability of simulated causal conditions in the cause-effect interval and not the mere duration of the inter-stimulus interval. In this work, the close relation between timing and causality was verified. It could thus be concluded that the firing activities of IPns may be related more to the proper performance of ongoing CRs (i.e., the proper timing as a consequence of the pertinent causality) than to their generation and/or initiation.
Collapse
|
28
|
De Zeeuw CI, Hoebeek FE, Bosman LWJ, Schonewille M, Witter L, Koekkoek SK. Spatiotemporal firing patterns in the cerebellum. Nat Rev Neurosci 2011; 12:327-44. [PMID: 21544091 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurons are generally considered to communicate information by increasing or decreasing their firing rate. However, in principle, they could in addition convey messages by using specific spatiotemporal patterns of spiking activities and silent intervals. Here, we review expanding lines of evidence that such spatiotemporal coding occurs in the cerebellum, and that the olivocerebellar system is optimally designed to generate and employ precise patterns of complex spikes and simple spikes during the acquisition and consolidation of motor skills. These spatiotemporal patterns may complement rate coding, thus enabling precise control of motor and cognitive processing at a high spatiotemporal resolution by fine-tuning sensorimotor integration and coordination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris I De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wilber AA, Lin GL, Wellman CL. Neonatal corticosterone administration impairs adult eyeblink conditioning and decreases glucocorticoid receptor expression in the cerebellar interpositus nucleus. Neuroscience 2011; 177:56-65. [PMID: 21223994 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2010] [Revised: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal maternal separation alters adult learning and memory. Previously, we showed that neonatal separation impaired eyeblink conditioning in adult rats and increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in the cerebellar interpositus nucleus, a critical site of learning-related plasticity. Daily neonatal separation (1 h/day on postnatal days 2-14) increases neonatal plasma corticosterone levels. Therefore, effects of separation on GR expression in the interpositus and consequently adult eyeblink conditioning may be mediated by neonatal increases in corticosterone. As a first step in exploring a potential role for corticosterone in the neonatal separation effects we observed, we assessed whether systemic daily (postnatal days 2-14) corticosterone injections mimic neonatal separation effects on adult eyeblink conditioning and GR expression in the interpositus. Control uninjected animals were compared to animals receiving either daily corticosterone injections or daily injections of an equal volume of vehicle. Plasma corticosterone values were measured in a separate group of control, neonatally separated, vehicle injected, or corticosterone injected pups. In adulthood, rats underwent surgery for implantation of recording and stimulating electrodes. After recovery from surgery, rats underwent 10 daily sessions of eyeblink conditioning. Then, brains were processed for GR immunohistochemistry and GR expression in the interpositus nucleus was assessed. Vehicle and corticosterone injections both produced much larger increases in neonatal plasma corticosterone than did daily maternal separation, with the largest increases occurring in the corticosterone-injected group. Neonatal corticosterone injections impaired adult eyeblink conditioning and decreased GR expression in the interpositus nucleus, while the effects of vehicle injections were intermediate. Thus, while neonatal injections and maternal separation both produce adult impairments in learning and memory, these manipulations produce opposite changes in GR expression. This suggests an inverted U-shaped relationship may exist between both neonatal corticosterone levels and adult GR expression in the interpositus nucleus, and adult GR expression in the interpositus and eyeblink conditioning.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aging/drug effects
- Aging/physiology
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Cerebellar Nuclei/drug effects
- Cerebellar Nuclei/metabolism
- Conditioning, Eyelid/drug effects
- Conditioning, Eyelid/physiology
- Corticosterone/administration & dosage
- Corticosterone/blood
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Male
- Maternal Deprivation
- Rats
- Rats, Long-Evans
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/deficiency
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A A Wilber
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, Canada T1K 3M4.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cerminara NL, Rawson JA, Apps R. Electrophysiological characterization of the cerebellum in the arterially perfused hindbrain and upper body of the rat. THE CEREBELLUM 2010; 9:218-31. [PMID: 20033360 PMCID: PMC2866334 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-009-0152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, a non-pulsatile arterially perfused hindbrain and upper body rat preparation is described which is an extension of the brainstem preparation reported by Potts et al., (Brain Res Bull 53(1):59-67), 1. The modified in situ preparation allows study of cerebellar function whilst preserving the integrity of many of its interconnections with the brainstem, upper spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system of the head and forelimbs. Evoked mossy fibre, climbing fibre and parallel fibre field potentials and EMG activity elicited in forelimb biceps muscle by interpositus stimulation provided evidence that both cerebellar inputs and outputs remain operational in this preparation. Similarly, the spontaneous and evoked single unit activity of Purkinje cells, putative Golgi cells, molecular interneurones and cerebellar nuclear neurones was similar to activity patterns reported in vivo. The advantages of the preparation include the ability to record, without the complications of anaesthesia, stabile single unit activity for extended periods (3 h or more), from regions of the rat cerebellum that are difficult to access in vivo. The preparation should therefore be a useful adjunct to in vitro and in vivo studies of neural circuits underlying cerebellar contributions to movement control and motor learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia L Cerminara
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
López-Ramos JC, Tomioka Y, Morimatsu M, Yamamoto S, Ozaki K, Ono E, Delgado-García JM. Motor-coordination-dependent learning, more than others, is impaired in transgenic mice expressing pseudorabies virus immediate-early protein IE180. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12123. [PMID: 20711341 PMCID: PMC2920824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum in transgenic mice expressing pseudorabies virus immediate-early protein IE180 (TgIE96) was substantially diminished in size, and its histoarchitecture was severely disorganized, resulting in severe ataxia. TgIE96 mice can therefore be used as an experimental model to study the involvement of cerebellar circuits in different learning tasks. The performance of three-month-old TgIE96 mice was studied in various behavioral tests, including associative learning (classical eyeblink conditioning), object recognition, spatial orientation (water maze), startle response and prepulse inhibition, and passive avoidance, and compared with that of wild-type mice. Wild-type and TgIE96 mice presented similar reflexively evoked eyeblinks, and acquired classical conditioned eyelid responses with similar learning curves for both trace and delay conditioning paradigms. The two groups of mice also had similar performances during the object recognition test. However, they showed significant differences for the other three tests included in this study. Although both groups of animals were capable of swimming, TgIE96 mice failed to learn the water maze task during the allowed time. The startle response to a severe tone was similar in both control and TgIE96 mice, but the latter were unable to produce a significant prepulse inhibition. TgIE96 mice also presented evident deficits for the proper accomplishment of a passive avoidance test. These results suggest that the cerebellum is not indispensable for the performance of classical eyeblink conditioning and for object recognition tasks, but seems to be necessary for the proper performance of water maze, prepulse inhibition, and passive avoidance tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yukiko Tomioka
- Division of Disease Model Innovation, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masami Morimatsu
- Division of Disease Model Innovation, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sayo Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Biomedicine, Center of Biomedical Research, School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kinuyo Ozaki
- Laboratory of Biomedicine, Center of Biomedical Research, School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Etsuro Ono
- Laboratory of Biomedicine, Center of Biomedical Research, School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- * E-mail: (JMDG); (EO)
| | - José M. Delgado-García
- Neuroscience Division, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
- * E-mail: (JMDG); (EO)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Porras-García E, Sánchez-Campusano R, Martínez-Vargas D, Domínguez-del-Toro E, Cendelín J, Vozeh F, Delgado-García JM. Behavioral characteristics, associative learning capabilities, and dynamic association mapping in an animal model of cerebellar degeneration. J Neurophysiol 2010; 104:346-65. [PMID: 20410355 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00180.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Young adult heterozygous Lurcher mice constitute an excellent model for studying the role of the cerebellar cortex in motor performance-including the acquisition of new motor abilities-because of the early postnatal degeneration of almost all of their Purkinje and granular cells. Wild-type and Lurcher mice were classically conditioned for eyelid responses using a delay paradigm with or without an electrolytic lesion in the interpositus nucleus. Although the late component of electrically evoked blink reflexes was smaller in amplitude and had a longer latency in Lurcher mice than that in controls, the two groups of animals presented similar acquisition curves for eyeblink conditioning. The lesion of the interpositus nucleus affected both groups of animals equally for the generation of reflex and conditioned eyelid responses. Furthermore, we recorded the multiunitary activity at the red and interpositus nuclei during the same type of associative learning. In both nuclei, the neural firing activity lagged the beginning of the conditioned response (determined by orbicularis oculi muscle response). Although red nucleus neurons and muscle activities presented a clear functional coupling (strong correlation and low asymmetry) across conditioning, the coupling between interpositus neurons and either red nucleus neurons or muscle activities was slightly significant (weak correlation and high asymmetry). Lurcher mice presented a nonlinear coupling (high asymmetry) between red nucleus neurons and muscle activities, with an evident compensatory adjustment in the correlation of firing between interpositus and red nuclei neurons (a coupling with low asymmetry), aimed probably at compensating the absence of cerebellar cortical neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Porras-García
- Division of Anatomy and Human Embryology, Pablo de Olavide University, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|