LIMBIC CORTICAL BASES OF ASSOCIATIVE LEARNING

该奖项支持的研究将集中在神经 海马体中的可塑性， 行为学习，使用经典的眨眼条件反射， 兔子作为一个模型。 三个具体问题， 将研究这种可塑性。 首先，我们将确定 多突触解剖学途径，通过这些途径， 海马锥体神经元活动的变化影响 小脑--一种已知参与大脑活动的大脑结构 条件性眨眼反应的形成。 二是 使用非线性系统分析技术来表征 海马体的功能特性仅表达于 网络级，即，从协调中产生的特性 所有神经元亚群作为一个系统的活动。 然后，我们将研究这些系统属性是如何改变的 在眨眼条件反射中。 最后，我们将调查 脑干去甲肾上腺素能和肾上腺素能输入对 锥体细胞活动的变化，发展过程中的经典 条件反射

The research supported by this award will focus on neural plasticity that develops in the hippocampus as a result of behavioral learning, using classical conditioning of eyeblink in rabbit as a model system. Three specific issues with respect to this plasticity will be investigated. First, we will determine the multi-synaptic anatomical pathways through which learning-induced changes in the activity of hippocampal pyramidal neurons affects the cerebellum--a brain structure known to be involved in the formation of the conditioned eyeblink response. Second, we will use nonlinear systems analytic techniques to characterize functional properties of the hippocampus expressed only at the network level, i.e., properties emerging from the coordinated activity of all its subpopulations of neurons acting as a system. We then will investigate how those system properties are altered during eyeblink conditioning. Finally, we will investigate the contribution of brainstem noradrenergic and serotonergic inputs to changes in pyramidal cell activity that develop during classical conditioning.