Influence of stimulation of the olivocerebellar pathway by harmaline on spatial learning in the rat.

Administration of harmaline to the rat, which activates synchronously and rhythmically the olivary neurons and the olivocerebellar pathway, elicits visuo-motor, spatial learning and spatial memory deficiencies which are dose-dependent. Since activation and lesion of the olivocerebellar pathway have similar effects, it is concluded that normal functioning of this pathway is required for spatial learning achievement. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.