Mechanisms underlying early odor preference learning in rats.
Early odor preference training in rat pups produces behavioral preferences that last from hours to lifetimes. Here, we discuss the molecular and circuitry changes we have observed in the olfactory bulb (OB) and in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) following odor training. For normal preference learning, both structures are necessary, but learned behavior can be initiated by initiating local circuit change in either structure. Our evidence relates dynamic molecular and circuit changes to memory duration and storage localization. Results using this developmental model are consistent with biological memory theories implicating N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and β-adrenoceptors, and their associated cascades, in memory induction and consolidation. Finally, our examination of the odor preference model reveals a primary role for increases in α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor synaptic strength, and in network strength, in the creation and maintenance of preference memory in both olfactory structures.
['Yuan|Qi|Q|', 'Shakhawat|Amin M D|AM|', 'Harley|Carolyn W|CW|']
D000818:Animals D015220:Calcium Channels D007858:Learning D008954:Models, Biological D009812:Odorants D009833:Olfactory Pathways D051381:Rats D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells D012903:Smell
odor learning olfactory bulb anterior piriform cortex memory N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor adrenoceptor long-term potentiation norepinephrine α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor