Cerebellar stimulation: regional effects on a thalamocortical system

Regional effects of electrical stimulation of the cerebellar surface were quantitatively analyzed. Computer controlled stimulus sequences were delivered to ventrolateral thalamus and evoked responses recorded from ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex in the cat. Threshold and excitability profiles were produced with an on-line computer, and their modification by cerebellar stimulation was determined. The results of electrical stimulation of the cerebellar surface were: (1) depressed excitability from paramedian lobule and lobulus simplex; (2) uniquely elevated thresholds from paramedian lobule; and (3) a profound and long-lasting depression of excitability following termination of lobulus simplex stimulation. In comparison with our anticonvulsant drug studies, these data suggest that cerebellar surface stimulation has a far greater capacity to control excitability and threshold responsiveness of thalamocortical systems. Cerebellar electrode placement and temporal pattern of stimulation appear to be important factors in the production of antiepileptic effects.