Effect of unilateral electrolytic lesion of fastigial nucleus on behavior, learning and memory of Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Cerebellum called as the “little brain” .The cerebellum regulates various functions like motor coordination, equilibrium and muscle tone because of its connections with other parts of the brain as well as other parts of the body. Whether the fastigial nucleus of the rat cerebellum plays any role in behavior, reference and working memory forms the focus of the present study. The fastigial nucleus as part of spino-cerebellum of Wistar albino rat was unilaterally (left side) destroyed by electrolytic lesion using stereotaxic procedures and the behavior, learning and memory were analyzed by using open field, elevated plus maze and eight arm radial mazes on 10th and also 15th day after the lesion along with controls as well as with sham operated animals. The alterations in behavior were only observed on the 10th day but not in 15th day. There was no alteration was observed in radial maze among the groups indicated that cerebellum has no role in memory process. The changes perceived in behavior on 10th day may be due the inflammation or reduced metabolism in the damaged areas followed which may recovered on 15th day as inflammation subsides and the metabolism is normalized. These results indicate that fastigial nucleus is not playing any role in either behavior or memory.