PET imaging of learning-related plasticity in awake behaving rats

该项目的目标是将对大鼠基本学习范式的调查与功能正电子发射断层扫描(PET)成像相结合，以回答有关大脑学习和决策的神经生物学基础的关键问题。MicroPET技术提供的PET图像没有因麻醉而引起的混乱。利用这项技术，该项目旨在观察清醒状态下的大鼠全脑多巴胺神经传递的变化，表现为大鼠学习根据环境线索和自己的行动(即分别在巴甫洛夫和工具性条件反射期间)预测与动机相关的结果。这项研究的结果可能会提高我们对导致大脑和精神衰弱障碍的神经变化的理解。

The objective of the project is to combine an investigation of basic learning paradigms with functional Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in rats in order to answer critical questions about the neurobiological basis of learning and decision-making in the brain. MicroPET technology provides PET images without the confounds induced by anaesthesia. Using this technology, the project intends to observe whole-brain changes in dopamine neurotransmission in awake, behaving rats while they learn to predict motivationally relevant outcomes based on environmental cues and on their own actions (ie during Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning, respectively). The outcomes of this research may improve our understanding of the neural changes responsible for debilitating disorders of the brain and mind.