BEHAVIORAL AND NEURAL PLASTICITY IN FOOD-STORING BIRDS

描述：(改编自申请者S摘要) 这项研究项目考察了大鼠海马区的学习和可塑性。 储存食物的鸟类。前三个实验讨论了 海马体在空间记忆处理中，通过使用可逆性 受体拮抗剂的失活或注射。第四个实验 检查可能通过操纵诱导季节性神经发生的因素 经验和荷尔蒙水平。这项研究将有助于我们的 从以下几个方面理解习得行为的神经基础； 首先，通过研究一种自然行为，我们可以增加一般性和 我们目前关于学习和记忆的神经基础的理论的有效性。 其次，通过研究一个具有显著成年神经可塑性的系统，我们可能 更好地理解神经系统的可塑性和变化之间的联系 在认知功能上。这反过来可能与治疗策略有关。 涉及大脑修复，通过揭示成人 产生的神经元在功能上整合到神经系统中。

DESCRIPTION:(adapted from applicant?s abstract) This research project examines learning and plasticity in the hippocampus of food-storing birds. The first three experiments address the role of the hippocampus in spatial memory processing, through the use of reversible inactivation or injection of receptor antagonists. The fourth experiment examines factors that may induce seasonal neurogenesis by manipulating experience and hormone levels. This research will contribute to our understanding of the neural basis of learned behaviors in the following ways; first, by studying a natural behavior, we can increase the generality and validity of our current theories on the neural basis of learning and memory. Second, by studying a system with remarkable adult neural plasticity, we may better understand the link between plasticity in the nervous sytem and changes in cognitive function. This in turn may be relevant to therapeutic strategies involving brain repair, by revealing the mechanisms through which adult generated neurons become functionally integrated into the nervous system.