The goal of this proposed project is to demonstrate evidence for the time-limited, hippocampal-dependent consolidation of a cortical memory representation. Current theory suggests that the storage of long- term, declarative memories is dependent on interactions between the hippocampal system and neocortex. With the passage of time, memory representations become less dependent on the hippocampal system, until they become permanently consolidated in neocortex. This project will address this goal using electrophysiological and behavioral assessment in an 8-odor serial discrimination task with predictive relationships between odors.
The specific aims are: (1) To analyze the development of changes in the firing patterns in OF associated with learning of predictive relationships between odors (i.e., learning stimulus-stimulus pairing in which the first of two stimuli predicts the ensuing occurance of the second), both at the level of the single unit and at the level of the neural ensemble. (2) To demonstrate that the behavioral and electrophysiological correlates associated with learning of predictive relationships are dependent on the hippocampal system. (3) to study the time course of the consolidation of these same cortical representations as they gradually become independent of the hippocampal system. This hypothesis will be tested by giving rats ibotenate lesions of the hippocampal region at varying times after learning the predictive relationships between odors, and by reversibly inactivating the hippocampal region with muscimol at varying times during performance of the memory task.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH011252-03
Application #
2889974
Study Section
Cognitive Functional Neuroscience Review Committee (CFN)
Program Officer
Goldschmidts, Walter L
Project Start
1999-08-01
Project End
Budget Start
1999-08-01
Budget End
2000-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Boston University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
042250712
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215