The long-term objective of this project is to elucidate the neuronal mechanisms of learning and memory in the marine mollusk Aplysia californica. The defensive withdrawal reflex of this animal constitutes a useful system for this purpose. The reflex exhibits several forms of learning, including classical conditioning. The neuronal circuitry which underlies the withdrawal reflex, particularly its monosynaptic component- the synapse between the sensory and motor neurons-is relatively simple and well understood. The proposed experiments will focus on a form of synaptic plasticity known as Hebbian long-term potentiation (LTP). This form of synaptic plasticity, particularly its manifestation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, has been prominently implicated in vertebrate memory and cognition. Recently, a type of LTP has been described for Aplysia sensorimotor synapses in cell culture (apLTP) which appears to be mechanistically quite similar to LTP of CA1 synapses.
The specific aim of this proposal is to deterMine whether an apLTP-related process is involved in learning in Aplysia. The proposed experiments will utilize preparations comprising the central nervous system of Aplysia in electrophysiological experiments involving a cellular analogue of classical conditioning of the withdrawal reflex. The proposed research will serve as the basis for improving our understanding of human learning and memory. It may thereby contribute to ameliorating human memory- associated diseases, such as Alzheimer' s.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31MH011136-01
Application #
2242659
Study Section
Cognitive Functional Neuroscience Review Committee (CFN)
Project Start
1996-03-05
Project End
Budget Start
1995-10-05
Budget End
1996-10-04
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
119132785
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095