Limb flexion reflex-related areas in human cerebellum.

Full Abstract

Numerous studies have shown that the cerebellum is involved in classical conditioning of specific aversive reactions. Only few studies, however, have examined the exact localization of cerebellar areas involved in the control of unconditioned reflex responses. The present study investigated cerebellar areas, which are activated during eliciting of the limb flexion reflex in healthy controls using [15O]H2O PET. Limb flexion reflex related areas were found in vermal lobules III-VI with the local maximum in vermal lobule V. Areas of activation were more widespread compared to a voluntary foot movement and a sensory foot stimulation condition. Limb flexion reflex areas probably reflect efferent reflex modulation as well as sensory inputs from the stimulus itself and/or the reflex response.

Author information

Author/s: Maschke, Matthias (M); Erichsen, Maren (M); Drepper, Johannes (J); Jentzen, Walter (W); Müller, Stefan P (SP); Kolb, Florian P (FP); Diener, Hans-Christoph (HC); Timmann, Dagmar (D);

Affiliation: Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. matthias.maschke(-atsign-)uni-essen.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Neuroreport (Neuroreport), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Dec; vol 13 (issue 17) : pp 2325-30

Dates: Created 2002/12/18; Completed 2003/04/15; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12488820, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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