Localization of long-term synaptic plasticity defects in cerebellar circuits using optokinetic reflex learning profile

Abstract

Objective. Functional maps of the central nervous system attribute the coordination and control of many body movements directly or indirectly to the cerebellum. Despite this general picture, there is little information on the function of cerebellar neural components at the circuit level. The presence of multiple synaptic junctions and the synergistic action of different types of plasticity make it virtually difficult to determine the distinct contribution of cerebellar neural processes to behavioral manifestations. In this study, investigating the effect of long-term synaptic changes on cerebellar motor learning, we intend to provide quantitative criteria for localizing defects in the major forms of synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum. Approach. To this end, we develop a firing rate model of the cerebellar circuits to simulate learning of optokinetic reflex (OKR), one of the most well-known cerebellar-dependent motor tasks. In the following, by comparing the simulated OKR learning profile for normal and pathosynaptic conditions, we extract the learning features affected by long-term plasticity disorders. Next, conducting simulation with different massed and spaced learning paradigms, we estimate the detrimental impact of plasticity defects at corticonuclear synapses on short- and long-term motor memory. Main results. Our computational approach predicts a correlation between location and grade of the defect with some learning factors such as the rate of formation and retention of motor memory, baseline performance, and even cerebellar motor reserve capacity. Further, spacing analysis reveal the dependence of learning paradigm efficiency on the spatiotemporal characteristic of defect in the network. Indeed, defects in cortical memory formation and nuclear memory consolidation mainly harm massed and spaced learning, respectively. This result is used to design a differential assay for identifying the faulty phases of cerebellar learning. Significance. The proposed computational framework can help develop neural-screening systems and prepare meso-scale functional maps of the cerebellar circuits.

Efficacy of high-intensity interval and continuous endurance trainings on cecal microbiota metabolites and inflammatory factors in diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet

“…Performing regular sports activities has a modulating effect on the intestinal microbiota [22][23][24][25]. It is important to know how different types of exercise interventions (different intensities and periods) affect the content and metabolites of intestinal microbes and the control of diabetes and inflammation.…”