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Mini-Review: Synaptic Integration in the Cerebellar Nuclei—Perspectives From Dynamic Clamp and Computer Simulation Studies

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Abstract

The cerebellar nuclei (CN) process inhibition from Purkinje cells (PC) and excitation from mossy and climbing fiber collaterals. CN neurons in slices show intrinsic pacemaking activity, which is easily modulated by synaptic inputs. Our work using dynamic clamping and computer modeling shows that synchronicity between PC inputs is an important factor in determining spike rate and spike timing of CN neurons and that brief pauses in PC inputs provide a potent stimulus to trigger CN spikes. Excitatory input can equally control spike rate, but, due to a large slow, NMDA component also amplifies responses to inhibitory inputs. Intrinsic properties of CN neurons are well suited to provide prolonged responses to strong input transients and could be involved in motor pattern generation. One such specific mechanism is given by fast and slow rebound bursting. Nevertheless, we are just beginning to unravel synaptic integration in the CN, and the outcome of the work to date is best characterized by the generation of new specific questions that lend themselves to a combined experimental and computer modeling approach in future studies.

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Acknowledgments

Supported by NIMH RO1 MH065634. I thank the organizers for the invitation to present at the stellar meeting on the cerebellar nuclei in Amsterdam in July 2010 and several generations of members in my lab for contributing to the work summarized here: Volker Gauck, Thomas Sangrey, Risa Lin, and Steven Feng. The modeling work was conducted together with Volker Steuber.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The author has no conflict of interest such as financial and personal relationships that might bias the work presented in this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Dieter Jaeger

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Jaeger, D. Mini-Review: Synaptic Integration in the Cerebellar Nuclei—Perspectives From Dynamic Clamp and Computer Simulation Studies. Cerebellum 10, 659–666 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12311-011-0248-3

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