Odor-mediated contextual learning induced memory consolidation and hippocampus development in neonate rat

Neuroreport. 2020 Jan 8;31(1):64-68. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0000000000001368.

Abstract

The hippocampus in neonatal rats is not fully developed after birth, and the effect of odor-aversion learning on memory consolidation in the immature hippocampus is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the effects of odor-aversion learning in neonatal rats on memory consolidation and neurodevelopment in the immature hippocampus. The effect of hippocampal-induced learning was measured at two different developmental stages using the Y-maze and c-Fos protein levels. Furthermore, hippocampal cell proliferation and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) expression were evaluated at different developmental stages, namely, postnatal day 7 (PN7) and PN24, after odor-aversion learning. Both PN7 and PN24 rats avoided conditioned odor stimuli after odor-aversion learning. PN7 and PN24 rats in the odor-averse learning groups exhibited high c-Fos protein levels. PN7 rats exhibited high cell proliferation rates and GAP-43 protein levels after odor-aversion learning. These results showed that the immature hippocampus can participated in odor-aversion learning, which may induce cell proliferation and axonal development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Conditioning, Classical
  • Hippocampus / growth & development*
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Memory Consolidation / physiology*
  • Neurogenesis / physiology*
  • Odorants
  • Rats