The cerebellum is well-known for its ability to integrate diverse internal and external stimuli, forming associations which serve as a basis for the construction of predictive models. Though traditionally studied in the context of motor learning, mounting evidence indicates that cerebellar learning may play an analogous role in many non-motor functions, including autonomic regulation and reward processing. Using combinatorial approaches of neuroanatomical tracing, electrophysiology, and behavioral studies, we investigated whether cerebellar learning extends to the domains of feeding behavior and gastrointestinal regulation, wherein prediction is critical for optimally timing food seeking and digestion in order to maximize nutrient acquisition while minimizing risk and energetic cost. Our results show direct anatomical connections between the cerebellum and known feeding centers, including the lateral hypothalamus, nucleus of the solitary tract, and parvocellular reticular nucleus. In addition, a localized area of the rostral cerebellum was found to respond to gastric distension and drive gastric emptying. Finally, we show that cerebellar activation drives robust, short-latency ingestive responses in awake, sated mice. Collectively, our results implicate the specific, interconnected cerebellar regions of Lobules II & III and the rostral fastigial nucleus, which we believe may represent one or more microzones devoted to integrating pre-and post-ingestive signals for control of feeding and digestion.

This investigation aimed to objectively measure physiological deficiencies across the continuum of airway protection and clinical feeding and swallowing severity in children with spastic cerebral palsy (SCP), and to make comparisons with a healthy control group. Eleven children with SCP (GMFCS I-V) and 10 controls (mean age: 7+ 2 years) were tested. Results revealed significantly impaired oropharyngeal function and greater clinical feeding and swallowing severity for children with SCP. These children also demonstrated impaired respiratory-swallow coordination evidenced by frequent post-swallow inhalation across all bolus types. Reduced cough volume acceleration was also observed in children with SCP compared to controls. In the SCP group, significant correlations with clinical feeding and swallowing severity were observed with oral praxis and post-swallow inhalation. Additionally, clinical feeding and swallowing severity and peak expiratory flow rate were significantly correlated with gross motor function. This is the first study to objectively identify the co-occurrence of dysphagia and dystussia in children with SCP, and to quantify factors underlying these deficits. Future research should address functional deficits along the continuum of airway protection in both assessment and treatment paradigms in order to maximize the quality of life for this population.