Inhibiting cholinergic signalling in the cerebellar interpositus nucleus impairs motor behaviour.

The role of neuromodulators in the cerebellum is not well understood. In particular, the behavioural significance of the cholinergic system in the cerebellum is unknown. To investigate the importance of cerebellar cholinergic signalling in behaviour, we infused acetylcholine receptor antagonists, scopolamine and mecamylamine, bilaterally into the rat cerebellum (centred on interpositus nucleus) and observed the motor effects through a battery of behavioural tests.

Cerebellar Prediction and Feeding Behaviour.

Given the importance of the cerebellum in controlling movements, it might be expected that its main role in eating would be the control of motor elements such as chewing and swallowing. Whilst such functions are clearly important, there is more to eating than these actions, and more to the cerebellum than motor control. This review will present evidence that the cerebellum contributes to homeostatic, motor, rewarding and affective aspects of food consumption.