Evidence for a GABA-mediated cerebellar inhibition of the inferior olive in the cat

Abstract

1. Climbing fibres were activated by peripheral nerve stimulation at ‘high’ frequencies (>3 Hz) for 15–25 s and then at 0.9 Hz for about 1 min. The high frequency activation induced a post-conditioning inhibition, lasting up to about 1 min, of climbing fibre responses recorded from the cerebellar surface. 2. Electrolytic lesions were made in the superior cerebellar peduncle (brachium conjunctivum). After the lesion, the post-conditioning inhibition was completely eliminated. 3. Injections of the GABA-receptor blocker bicuculline methiodide into the inferior olive reversibly blocked the post-conditioning inhibition. 4. The results support the hypothesis proposed by Andersson and Hesslow (1987a), that post-conditioning inhibition is mediated by a GABA-ergic interposito-olivary pathway.