BEHAVIORAL AND NEURAL PLASTICITY IN FOOD-STORING BIRDS

说明：（改编自申请人？的摘要） 本研究项目探讨学习和可塑性的海马体， 储存食物的鸟类前三个实验讨论了 海马在空间记忆处理中，通过使用可逆的 受体拮抗剂的灭活或注射。第四个实验 检查因素，可能诱导季节性神经发生，通过操纵 经验和荷尔蒙水平。这项研究将有助于我们 通过以下方式了解学习行为的神经基础; 首先，通过研究自然行为，我们可以增加一般性， 我们目前关于学习和记忆的神经基础理论的有效性。 其次，通过研究一个具有显著成人神经可塑性的系统，我们可以 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，通过揭示成年人 生成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.