In order to answer the questions if and how various factors can alter compensatory eye movements and how the cerebellum contributes to these changes, we investigated the eye movements of a laboratory mouse. By using an integrated and multidisciplinary approach of genetic techniques, cellular physiology, and behavioral experiments in various mouse models, we were able to tackle some of these questions. We can conclude that various factors influence cerebellar plasticity and cerebellar motor learning and that measuring compensatory eye movements is a powerful technique to investigate these factors. Compensatory eye movements rely on a multisensory integration system that induces execution of accurate eye movements in time and space. This multisensory integration system has also the capacity to compensate for certain deficits. Adaptation of compensatory eye movements is mediated by the olivo - cerebellar circuit that utilizes multiple mechanisms to recalibrate its output. The processes that involve acquisition and storage of the altered behavioural responses do not solely rely on long-term depression (LTD) and long-term potentiation (LTP) at parallel fiber to Purkinje cell synapse but also on LTP at mossy fiber to granule cell synapse. Estradiol induces morphological changes and electrophysiological synaptic plasticity changes in the cerebellum that are well correlated with the cerebellum-dependent behavioral output.

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Zeeuw, Prof. Dr. C.I. de (promotor), Netherlands Organisation for Medical Science (ZonMw), Life Sciences (NWO-ALW), Senter (Neuro-Bsik), Prinses Beatrix Fonds, European Community (EEC; SENSOPAC)
C.I. de Zeeuw (Chris)
Erasmus University Rotterdam
hdl.handle.net/1765/12293
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Andreescu, C. (2008, May 14). Unconventional Peripheral, Central and Hormonal Factors in Cerebellar Plasticity. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/12293