Postnatal neurogenesis in the feline cerebellum: A structural/functional investigation

Abstract

The postnatal development of the feline cerebellum was analyzed and correlated with the development of balance and locomotor patterns of behavior. Three major experimental approaches were undertaken to analyze this development: (i) packing densities and linear measurements of the nodulus and uvula lobes of the archicerebellum; (ii) qualitative analysis of changes in cell composition and morphology; and (iii) behavioral observations of the development of locomotor activity. The histological analysis indicated that the external granular layers (EGL) attained its maximum thickness at 15 days followed by a rapid dissolution from this point on; concomitant with this the internal granular layers (IGL) slowly increased from birth to 60 days. Behaviorally the results showed that the 1st postnatal month was taken up with the acquisition of locomotor behavior while the 2nd postnatal month was concerned with the perfection of this behavior. Possible correlations between postnatal neurogenesis and locomotor development were discussed within the framework of brain plasticity.