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

Exp Brain Res. 1988;72(3):450-6. doi: 10.1007/BF00250590.

Abstract

1. Climbing fibres were activated by peripheral nerve stimulation at 'high' frequencies (greater than 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bicuculline / pharmacology
  • Brain Stem / physiology
  • Cats
  • Cerebellum / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Olivary Nucleus / drug effects
  • Olivary Nucleus / physiology*
  • Radial Nerve / physiology
  • Reference Values
  • Sciatic Nerve / physiology
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / physiology*

Substances

  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Bicuculline