Mechanisms underlying early odor preference learning in rats.
Early odor preference training in rat pups produces behavioral preferences that last from hours to lifetimes. Here, we discuss the molecular and circuitry changes we have observed in the olfactory bulb (OB) and in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) following odor training. For normal preference learning, both structures are necessary, but learned behavior can be initiated by initiating local circuit change in either structure. Our evidence relates dynamic molecular and circuit changes to memory duration and storage localization. Results using this developmental model are consistent with biological memory theories implicating N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and β-adrenoceptors, and their associated cascades, in memory induction and consolidation. Finally, our examination of the odor preference model reveals a primary role for increases in α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor synaptic strength, and in network strength, in the creation and maintenance of preference memory in both olfactory structures.
Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Electronic address: qi.yuan@med.mun.ca.
Qi
Q
Yuan
Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Amin M D
AM
Shakhawat
Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Electronic address: charley@play.psych.mun.ca.
Carolyn W
CW
Harley
D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009812:Odorants; D009833:Olfactory Pathways / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000378:metabolism; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000502:physiology; D012903:Smell
D015220:Calcium Channels; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor; adrenoceptor; anterior piriform cortex; learning; long-term potentiation; memory; norepinephrine; odor; olfactory bulb; α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor