Involvement of the lateral entorhinal cortex for the formation of cross-modal olfactory-tactile associations in the rat

摘要: While the olfactory and tactile vibrissal systems have been extensively studied in rat, neural basis of these cross-modal asso- ciations is still elusive. Here we tested hypothesis that lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) could be particularly involved. In order to tackle this question, developed a new behavioral paradigm which con- sists finding one baited cup (1) among three, each cups present- ing different specific odor/texture (OT) combination. During acquisition first task (Task OT1), three were associated with following OT combination: O1T1 for cup; O2T1 O1T2 non-baited ones. Most rats learn within training sessions (20 trials/session). second OT2) animals had pair another combination reward using set stimuli (O3T31, O4T3, O3T4). Results showed manage Task OT2 session only. third OT3) based on previously learned items (e.g. O4T41, O1T4 O4T1). This called "recombination task." control solve recombination session. Animals bilaterally implanted cannulae LEC microinfused d-APV (3 mg/0.6 mL) just before or test task. The results NMDA receptor block- ade did not affect recall OT1 but strongly impaired acqui- sition both OT3. Moreover, two groups infused no deficit unim- odal tasks. Taken together, data show system involved association between an stimulus during learning V C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.