Cerebellar neuronal network mapping in motor and non-motor functions in mice

Abstract

The cerebellum is a structure with important participation in motor functions such as movement control, motor learning, and balance control. However, its participation in non-motor functions, such as emotional and cognitive processes, has been attracting attention. Our group has conducted several studies suggesting that the sharing of cerebellar neural networks with other structures acts as an activity modulating mechanism. In order to understand this role, the main of this project is to map the neuronal activation of the cerebellum against different spatio-temporal contexts involved in the assessment of motor learning and performance, emotion and emotional memory, and its connections with other structures. For this purpose, naive Swiss Albino mice will be used, aged between 30g and 35g. For behavioral evaluation, the animals will be exposed to the RotaRod, a model that measures motor learning and performance, and to measure emotion and emotional memory the Inhibitory Avoidance box will be used, both for 1, 3 and 8 days, in different contexts. After the last exposure of each group to the evaluation apparatus, euthanasia will be performed followed by transcardiac perfusion with 4% Paraformoldehyde and encephalic removal. The encephalons will be sectioned to perform c-Fos immunohistochemical analysis of pre-established structures. Microscopic images of encephalic structures will be taken for immunofluorescent cell analysis. One-way ANOVA analysis of variance will be performed, followed by a post-hoc test appropriate to the experimental design. Pearson's Correlation coefficient r will be performed, aiming to analyze the correlation between the coefficients of the encephalic structures. (AU)