Interactions between learning and memory systems

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A significant amount of evidence from different levels of analysis suggests that learning and memory function in the mammalian brain is organized into a group of neural systems mediating different memory functions. There are at least 5 different systems in the brain, each of which is designed for learning about different types of relationships. My research has focused on three of these systems (hippocampus, dorsal striatum, and amygdala). Research, from a wide range of biological and non-biological fields are in agreement that in all complex systems, coherent outputs or behaviour arise from cooperation and competition among the various elements of the system. The organization of learning and memory function in the mammal appears to follow the same principles. Our working hypothesis about the organization of these learning and memory systems is that although they process information independently the systems can interact cooperatively or competitively to influence ongoing or future behaviour. Consistent with this view, several demonstrations of both cooperative and competitive interactions between various learning and memory systems have been shown. The equipment described in this proposal will enable NSERC-funded researchers at the University of Lethbridge and national and international collaborators the ability to assess the integrity of different learning and memory systems in the mammalian brain on the same task. The outcomes of this kind of research should not be underestimated. Abnormalities in the relationships between these learning and memory systems are now thought to be responsible for a wide range of abnormal behaviour and psychiatric disorders found in humans. Accordingly, basic scientific information about the functions of these various brain systems, how and when they interact with each other, and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms supporting these functions is critical if we are to understand normal and abnormal manifestations of behaviour in humans.