Elsevier

Experimental Neurology

Volume 45, Issue 2, November 1974, Pages 268-287
Experimental Neurology

Ascending projections of the cerebellar fastigial nucleus to the hippocampus, amygdala, and other temporal lobe sites: Evoked potential and histological studies in monkeys and cats

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Abstract

Direct anatomical connections from the fastigial nucleus of the cerebellum to numerous sites in the temporal lobe have been demonstrated in cats and monkeys by evoked potential and histological studies. Fastigial nucleus stimulation evoked responses bilaterally of short delay through an extensive rostral-caudal portion of the hippocampi, at focal sites in the basolateral amygdalae, and over the middle temporal gyri, indicating the existence of monosynaptic connections. The histological studies, for which the Nauta-Gygax method, Fink-Heimer procedure I, and cresylechtviolet staining were used, showed direct bilateral fastigial efferents coursing into the hippocampi (principally to cell field CA III), dentate gyri and subicular regions, into a focal site in the basolateral amygdalae, and into the temporal lobe neocortex. The findings reported herein suggest that the cerebellar fastigial nuclei through direct connections to the temporal neocortex and deep temporal lobe sites, can profoundly affect the function of the higher nervous system and behavior.

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    This study was supported in part by funds from the Ittleson Family Foundation, New York, NY. The authors wish to acknowledge the technical assistance of Charles J. Fontana and Mildred J. Kennedy.

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