A Realistic Model of VOR Motor Learning with Spiking Cerebellar Cortical Neuronal Network

Abstract

The vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) stabilizes our vision during head movements. The VOR is under adaptive control which requires the cerebellar flocculus, especially its highly organized neuronal network with various synaptic plasticities. To elucidate the signal processing in cerebellar flocculus during VOR adaptation, we constructed a mathematical model in which the cerebellar cortical neuronal network is explicitly described by integrate-and-fire neurons based upon the known anatomy and physiology. Model simulations confirmed that the model reproduces characteristic Purkinje cell simple spike discharge patterns and eye movements during VOR, optokinetic response, and various visual-vestibular mismatch paradigms in normal and flocculectomized monkeys