Cholinergic mechanisms in the cerebellar cortex

Abstract

• 1.

  ACh-excited granule layer neurones and Purkinje cells have been found in several areas of the cerebellar cortex. The proportion of responsive cells was greatest in the depths of the cortex.

• 2.

  This action of ACh was potentiated by cholinesterase inhibitors and depressed by ‘nicotinic’ type antagonists. Dihydro-β-erythroidine was the most potent antagonist.

• 3.

  Evidence for the release of ACh by some mossy afferent fibres arising in the mesencephalon and pons is presented.

• 4.

  In conjunction with associated studies on cerebellar ACh and acetylcholinesterase, the findings presented in this paper support the concept of cholinergic synaptic transmission in the cerebellar granule cell layer.