An investigation of the effects of hippocampal lesions in rats on pre- and postoperatively acquired spatial memory in a complex environment.

摘要: In previous work, we showed that adult rats were reared socially for 3 months in a complex (village) environment retained allocentric spatial memory following hippocampal lesions (Winocur et al., (2005) Nat Neurosci 8:273-275). the present series of experiments, postoperative rearing did not confer same benefits (Experiment 1), although groups, with or without experience, exhibited learning af- ter extensive training (Experiments 1 and 2). Experiment as little 2 weeks preoperative village was sufficient to retain acquired memories after lesions. Probe testing revealed that, remarkably good preoperatively learned locations vil- lage, they impaired when changes task demands required flexi- ble use existing representations. direct test flexibility 4), administered blocked- routes original environment, which on designated trials, barrier placed across one paths goal compartment. On encountering barrier, control consistently selected next most route, whereas lesions, despite using strategies, made more errors took lon- ger find goal. The results confirm can survive damage but are schematic nature less cohesive than those associated cognitive maps intact brains. As well, there evidence different proc- esses involved their formation, survived essen- tially laboriously formed postoperatively exten- sive training. V C 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.