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Published on: October 16, 2019
Cerebellar modulation of human associative plasticity.
Masashi Hamada1, Gionata Strigaro, Nagako Murase
1Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK. mhamada-tky@umin.net
The Journal of Physiology
|April 5, 2012
Summary
Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) can abolish paired associative stimulation (PAS) effects on motor cortex plasticity. This suggests the cerebellum influences PAS and that long-term potentiation-like effects have multiple mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is a key method for studying motor cortex synaptic plasticity in humans.
- PAS involves paired peripheral nerve and motor cortex stimulation, inducing long-term potentiation (LTP)-like effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) on PAS-induced motor cortex plasticity.
- To explore potential distinct mechanisms underlying LTP-like effects induced by PAS.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous application of 2 mA cerebellar TDCS during PAS in human participants.
- Varying the inter-stimulus interval (ISI) between peripheral and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during PAS (21.5 ms vs. 25 ms).
- Assessment of corticospinal excitability changes following PAS and TDCS.
Main Results:
- Cerebellar TDCS completely abolished the PAS effect at a 25 ms ISI.
- The PAS effect was observed at a 25 ms ISI but not at a 21.5 ms ISI when cerebellar TDCS was applied.
- Cerebellar stimulation significantly modulated PAS-induced changes in motor cortex excitability.
Conclusions:
- The cerebellum plays a significant role in modulating PAS effects on motor cortex plasticity.
- The findings indicate that LTP-like effects induced by PAS may involve at least two distinct underlying mechanisms.
- Results have implications for interpreting PAS findings in movement disorders and interventions affecting motor control.
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