AMPA receptor mediated behavioral plasticity in the isolated rat spinal cord.

ABSTRACT: Previous research has demonstrated that the spinal cord is capable of a simple form of instrumental learning. Spinally transected rats that receive shock to a hind leg in an extended position quickly learn to maintain the leg in a flexed position, reducing net shock exposure whenever that leg is flexed. Subjects that receive shock independent of leg position (uncontrollable shock) do not exhibit an increase in flexion duration and later fail to learn when tested with controllable shock (learning deficit). The present study examined the role of the ionotropic glutamate receptor α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) in spinal learning. Intrathecal application of the AMPA receptor antagonist CNQX disrupted performance of a spinal instrumental learning in a dose dependen

SUBMITTER: Hoy KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3482296 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature