[Activity of cerebellar fastigial nucleus neurons during the fictive scratching reflex in cats]

The activity of neurons in the rostral part of the fastigial nucleus was recorded during fictious scratch reflex (FSR) in immobilized cats. During FSR the discharge frequency of many fastigial neurons was rhythmically modulated in relation to the scratch cycle: most of them fired in bursts at the end of the flexor phase or at the extensor phase of the cycle. The firing pattern of fastigial neurons was similar during both ipsilateral and contralateral FSR. Therefore the fastigial nuclei exert bilateral influences on the brain stem structures during one-sided motor activity.