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Locomotor behavior of decerebellated arboreal mammals — Monkey and raccoon
Author(s) -
Wirth Fremont P.,
O'Leary James L.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.901570106
Subject(s) - arboreal locomotion , biology , ataxia , muscle tone , anatomy , neuroscience , habitat , ecology
Total and partial cerebellectomies were carried out on 36 arboboreal animals, 15 racoons and 21 rhesus monkeys. The animals were evaluated pre‐ and post‐operatively for ability to swim, walk‐run, leap, and climb. Tone, reflexes, strength and other aspects of behavior were also studied. Both species exhibited rapid recovery from the procedure and were self‐sufficient shortly after surgery. Adult racoons and monkeys rapidly regained their ability to climb, and six months after surgery were able to do so normally except for mild residual ataxia when hurried. Ability to walk or run was regained at a much slower rate and was incomplete at six months, although at one year monkeys were not greatly incapacitated in walking. These differences indicated greater impairment of physiological extensor muscle groups than of flexors following cerebellectomy. The vestibular aspect of cerebellar deficit appeared to be related to recovery to a lesser extent. Swimming was very little altered by cerebellectomy. Muscular strength was recoverable in the monkey following cerebellar ablation. Power and force were measured before and after cerebellectomy. The latter was evaluated by food reinforcement to occasion pulling a weighted lever by selected trained monkeys. Recovery of power, which involved return of rapid, effective movements was slower, but could also occur completely. Careful histological examination conducted on all deceased animals indicated that the anticipated removals were accomplished without significant brain stem injury. Hydrocephalus was observed to develop in a significant number of animals following cerebellectomy. This factor has not been excluded in many previous reports, and may have contributed to failure to achieve effective compensation.