Activation of neurons in the cerebellar nuclei and ascending reticular formation by stimulation of the cerebellar surface

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of the cerebellar surface is used therapeutically for the control of certain epileptic seizures and motor disorders. The therapeutic results in the treatment of epilepsy may be a consequence of the activation of Purkinje cells which subsequently inhibit the epileptic activity in the cerebrocerebellar loop. These experiments established that an anatomical substrate exists [in the cat] whereby the effects of stimulating the cerebellar surface might be mediated by the ascending reticular formation and the non-specific thalamic nuclei. The stimulation of the cerebellar surface activated not only Purkinje cells but also cerebellar afferent systems, climbing fibers and mossy fibers, and neurons in the cerebellar nuclei and reticular formation. Recordings from neurons in the ascending reticular formation suggested that stimulation of the cerebellar surface can affect processing of ascending sensory information, thus influencing neural integration of non-specific sensory systems.