Timing of Conditioned Eyeblink Responses Is Impaired in Cerebellar Patients

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0266-05.2005
• Publication Date: 2005-04-13T20:08:11Z
• Authors: Marcus Gerwig; Karim Hajjar; Albena Dimitrova; Matthias Maschke; Florian P. Kolb; Markus Frings; Alfred F. Thilmann; Michael Forsting; Hans Christoph Di...; Dagmar Timmann
• Keywords: Cerebellar hemisphere; Eyeblink conditioning; Cerebellar ataxia; Superior cerebellar artery; Cerebellar Degeneration

In the present study, timing of conditioned eyeblink responses (CRs) was investigated in cerebellar patients and age-matched controls using a standard delay paradigm. Findings were compared with previously published data CR incidences same patient population (Gerwig et al., 2003; Timmann 2005). Sixteen pure cortical degeneration (spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 idiopathic ataxia), 14 lesions within territory superior artery, 13 infarctions posterior inferior artery included. The affected lobules possible involvement nuclei determined by three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) focal ( n = 27). Based on voxel-by-voxel analysis, MRI lesion related to conditioning data. incidence significantly reduced, CRs occurred earlier cerebellum controls. Incidence not impaired restricted cerebellum. Voxel-based analysis revealed that areas anterior lobe (Larsell lobule HV) most deficits, whereas reduced more caudal parts (lobule HVI) cortex. suggest different cortex may be involved formation stimulus association appropriate humans. Extracerebellar premotoneuronal disinhibition, however, is another explanation for changes timing.