Functional Convergence of Autonomic and Sensorimotor Processing in the Lateral Cerebellum

Abstract

Romano et al. show that cerebellar Purkinje cell activity follows the respiratory rhythm during rest. Triggered by sensory input, Purkinje cells can alter their activity and thereby accelerate the timing of the next inspiration. Concomitantly, they also augment whisker movements, highlighting a coordinating role in aligning autonomic and sensorimotor behaviors.