Abstract
The cerebellum is involved in the control of not only motor but also autonomic functions. I will summarize roles of the cerebellum in cardiovascular control. I propose that the cerebellum contains five distinct modules (cerebellar corticonuclear microcomplexes) dedicated to cardiovascular control. First, a discrete rostral portion of the fastigial nucleus and the overlying medial portion of the anterior vermis (Lobules I, II and III) conjointly form a module that controls the baroreflex. Second, anterior vermis also forms a microcomplex with the parabrachial nucleus. Third, a discrete caudal portion of the fastigial nucleus and the overlying medail portion of the posterior vermis (lobules VII and VIII) form another module controlling the vestibulosympathetic reflex. Forth, the medial portion of the uvula may form a module with the nucleus tractus solitarius and parabrachial nucleus. Fifth, the lateral edge of the nodulus and the uvula, together with the parabrachial nucleus and vestibular nuclei, forms a cardiovascular microcomplex that control the magnitude and /or timing of sympathetic nerve responses and stability of the mean arterial blood pressure during changes of head position and body posture. Another region of the flocculus, which has recently been found to be related to cardiovascular control, will be also discussed (Nisimaru and Ito, 2005). [J Physiol Sci. 2006;56 Suppl:S36]
