title: Caenorhabditis elegans: a new model system for the study of learning and memory.
abstract: The extensive information on the neuroanatomy, development and genetics of Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans make it an ideal candidate model system for the analysis of the mechanisms underlying learning and memory. A first step in this analysis is the demonstration of the capacity of C. elegans to learn. In these experiments non-associative learning in C. elegans was investigated by observing changes in reversal reflex response amplitude to a mechanical vibratory stimulus. The results from these studies of non-associative learning show that C. elegans is capable of short-term habituation, dishabituation and sensitization, as well as long-term retention of habituation training lasting for at least 24 h. These findings set the stage for detailed developmental, genetic and physiological analyses of learning and memory.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Rankin
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chiba
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D002107:Caenorhabditis / Q000502:physiology*; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic / Q000502:physiology; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology