The proposed research-will use the technique of single-unit recording to examine the characteristics of neurons within the postsubiculum and limbic thalamic nuclei. Specifically, the properties of """"""""Head Direction"""""""" cells will be examined. These cells respond only when an animal orients it's head in a specific direction (e.g., a cell may only fire when an animal points its head to the northeast) regardless of the animals absolute position in an apparatus. It is hypothesized that these cells play a significant role in spatial abilities. The experiments in this proposal will examine two basic issues with regard to head-direction cells: First, what type of navigational information determines head- direction cell activity? Second, do head-direction cells exhibit additional behavioral correlates (e.g., responses to stimulus presentation, goal approach, or reward) when examined in various behavioral paradigms? The experiments designed to answer these questions will provide a further understanding specifically of the determinants of head-direction cells activity, and in general, of neural bases for spatial abilities.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32MH010843-01A2
Application #
2242253
Study Section
Cognitive Functional Neuroscience Review Committee (CFN)
Project Start
1996-03-10
Project End
Budget Start
1995-09-15
Budget End
1996-09-14
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Dartmouth College
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
041027822
City
Hanover
State
NH
Country
United States
Zip Code
03755
Brown, A S; Hembree, W C; Friedman, J H et al. (1995) The gonadal axis in men with schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 57:231-9