Dataset Information

Lack of change in CA1 dendritic spine density or clustering in rats following training on a radial-arm maze task.

ABSTRACT: Background: Neuronal plasticity is thought to underlie learning and memory formation. The density of dendritic spines in the CA1 region of the hippocampus has been repeatedly linked to mnemonic processes. Both the number and spatial location of the spines, in terms of proximity to nearest neighbour, have been implicated in memory formation. To examine how spatial training impacts synaptic structure in the hippocampus, Lister-Hooded rats were trained on a hippocampal-dependent spatial task in the radial-arm maze. Methods: One group of rats were trained on a hippocampal-dependent spatial task in the radial arm maze. Two further control groups were included: a yoked group which received the same sensorimotor stimulation in the radial-maze but without a memory load, and home-cage controls. At the end of behavioural training, the brains underwent Golgi staining. Spines on CA1 pyramidal neuron dendrites were imaged and quantitatively assessed to provide measures of density and distance from nearest neighbour. Results: There was no difference across behavioural groups either in terms of spine density or in the clustering of dendritic spines. Conclusions: Spatial learning is not always accompanied by changes in either the density or clustering of dendritic spines on the basal arbour of CA1 pyramidal neurons when assessed using Golgi imaging.

SUBMITTER: Craig E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7236580 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Lack of change in CA1 dendritic spine density or clustering in rats following training on a radial-arm maze task.

Craig Emma E Dillingham Christopher M CM Milczarek Michal M MM Phillips Heather M HM Davies Moira M Perry James C JC Vann Seralynne D SD

Wellcome open research 20200515

<b>Background:</b> Neuronal plasticity is thought to underlie learning and memory formation. The density of dendritic spines in the CA1 region of the hippocampus has been repeatedly linked to mnemonic processes. Both the number and spatial location of the spines, in terms of proximity to nearest neighbour, have been implicated in memory formation. To examine how spatial training impacts synaptic structure in the hippocampus, Lister-Hooded rats were trained on a hippocampal-dependent spatial task ...[more]

PMID: 32500097

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundComparisons between animal and human neurotoxicology studies are a foundation of risk assessment, but are hindered by differences in measured behaviors. The radial arm maze (RAM), a rodent visuospatial learning and memory task, has a computerized version for use in children, which may help improve comparisons between animal and human studies.ObjectiveTo describe the characteristics and correlates of the virtual radial arm maze (VRAM) in 255 children age 10-15 years from Italy.MethodsWe administered the VRAM using a laptop computer and measured children's performance using the latency, distance, and working/reference memory errors during eight trials. Using generalized linear mixed models, we described VRAM performance in relation to demographic factors, child activities, and several standard neuropsychologic tests (Italian translations), including the Conners Parent Rating Scales-Short Version (CPRS), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, finger tapping speed, reaction time, and motor skills.ResultsChildren's VRAM performance tended to improve between trials 1 and 6 and then plateaued between trials 6 and 8. Males finished the task 14 s faster (95% confidence interval [CI]: -20, -9) than females. Children who played 2+h of video games per day finished 16 s faster (CI: -26, -6) and with 34% (CI: 5, 54%) fewer working memory errors than children who reported not playing video games. Higher IQ and better CVLT scores were associated with better VRAM performance. Higher cognitive/inattention CPRS scores were associated with more working (11%; CI: 1, 22) and reference memory errors (7%; CI: 1, 12).ConclusionsConsistent with animal studies, VRAM performance improved over the course of test trials and males performed better than females. Better VRAM performance was related to higher IQ, fewer inattentive behaviors, and better verbal memory. The VRAM may help to improve the integration and comparison between animal and epidemiological studies of environmental neurotoxicants.

Dataset Information

Lack of change in CA1 dendritic spine density or clustering in rats following training on a radial-arm maze task.

Publications

Lack of change in CA1 dendritic spine density or clustering in rats following training on a radial-arm maze task.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets