Adaptive Balance in the Posterior Cerebellum
March 2021
in “
Frontiers in Neurology
”
TLDR The posterior cerebellum helps maintain balance by adapting to sensory inputs and self-motion.
The study reviewed the anatomy and physiology of vestibular and optokinetic pathways to cerebellar Purkinje neurons, focusing on their role in adaptive balance. It highlighted the complex neural circuitry involved in maintaining balance, with distinct zones in the cerebellum processing vestibular and optokinetic inputs to coordinate postural responses. The research explored the role of various neurons and interneurons, such as Golgi and Stellate cells, in modulating Purkinje cell activity during roll-tilt movements. It also examined the effects of horizontal optokinetic stimulation (HOKS) on transcription and expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and microRNAs, suggesting mechanisms for neuronal adaptation. Additionally, the study investigated the role of miR335 in Purkinje cells and the influence of sex neurosteroids on synaptic plasticity, providing insights into the cerebellum's involvement in sensory processing and adaptation, with implications for understanding balance disorders.