title: Effects of cerebellectomy on motivation-related behavior: a time-course study.
abstract: The open field behavior and learning capacity of male rats of the Wistar strain was studied 1, 2, and 6 months after cerebellectomy (CBX). The results show a decrease in locomotor activity 1 month after CBX and thereafter a slow recovery. Grooming behavior was still normal after 1 month, but it decreased 2 months after CBX. Learning capacity, as assessed by the shuttle-box test, was remarkably decreased in cerebellectomized animals 1 month after operation. A significant impairment of memory capacity was also observed in rats tested for passive avoidance behavior 2 months after CBX. A partial recovery of this parameter was present 6 months after operation. These results support the hypothesis of a possible influence of cerebellum on motivation-related behaviors, independently of its modulatory role on motricity.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Pharmacology, University of Catania Medical School, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: D'Agata
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Drago
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Serapide
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cicirata
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000502:physiology*; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D006120:Grooming / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar