Pharmacological and experiential factors that modulate development of neural connectivity involved in spatial and nonspatial memory processing.

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During neural development, the brain shows widespread changes in both its structure and function that underlie the emergence of a variety of information processing tasks (e.g., sensory, motor, cognition). Evidence has pointed to one conclusion that with such high rates of plasticity that occur during development, memory formation, thought to depend on these processes, would proceed very efficiently (e.g., learning and retaining two languages occurs most readily at an early age). On the other hand, because of the ever-changing neuronal landscape during development, some structural modifications hypothesized to underlie memory formation might be lost with ensuing memory deficits. A primary question for the current proposal concerns the way in which memories are processed and consolidated in the juvenile brain and what factors may be at work that would help to facilitate the integrity of memories throughout the lifespan. Specially, the nature of the work to be done by my students and I will be based on an integrative neuroscience approach to study both endogenous and exogenous influences on neural structure and function in the context of memory consolidation and long-term storage. With respect to the nature of endogenous influences, we will examine the normal developmental trajectory of memory structures that participate in long-term memory storage and associated emergence of various cognitive functions. The nature of work relating to exogenous influences will center on the effect of pharmacological manipulations to either enhance or dampen brain development and the ultimate impact on information processing ability throughout the lifespan. In this research, pharmacological and behavioral tasks are used in conjunction with brain imaging to reconstruct neurons and quantify neural attributes as well as immunohistochemical techniques to provide detailed structural and functional changes following memory formation. Anticipated outcomes from this work will provide fundamental knowledge on the myriad of factors that influence memory consolidation and storage in the juvenile brain. The benefit of this work may prove beneficial in gaining a more complete understanding of basic memory processes throughout the lifespan. The benefit to the field of Neuroscience centers on providing insights as to pharmacological and experiential factors that modulate basic memory functions in the brain over the long term. The importance of this basic research to Canada is highlighted when considering its potential contributions to the understanding and therapeutic treatment of memory impairments and deficits incurred as a result of damage to, or aging of, the brain. Expected outcomes to Canadians will also be realized when considering best practices for assisting children showing cognitive deficits due to developmental delays or impoverished environments.