Hippocampal mossy fiber distribution covaries with open-field habituation in the mouse.
We studied the sizes of the hippocampal intra- and infrapyramidal mossy fiber (iip-MF) terminal fields and habituation to a new environment (open-field) in 25 genetically different groups of mice. Based on previous findings and theoretical considerations, a positive relationship between the size of the iip-MF terminal fields and the extent of behavioral change between two subsequent exposures to the open-field was expected. In fact, such a relationship was revealed by a factor analysis. Our results indicate that mice possessing large iip-MF terminal fields are more efficient in the processing of spatial information.
Crusio
W E
WE
Institut für Humangenetik und Anthropologie, Universität Heidelberg, F.R.G.
Schwegler
H
H
D000818:Animals; D004777:Environment; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006824:Hybridization, Genetic; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000033:anatomy & histology*