Learning-Induced Receptive Field Plasticity in the Primary Auditory Cortex

Author: Weinberger N.M.

Source: Seminars in Neuroscience, Volume 9, Number 1-2, 1997 , pp. 59-67(9)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $52.63 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Primary sensory cortex in the adult is modified by learning. The primary auditory cortex is retuned when a tone is paired with a behaviorally relevant reinforcer. Frequency receptive fields are shifted toward or to the frequency of the signal stimulus, yielding enhanced processing and representation of important frequencies. Receptive field plasticity constitutes "physiological memory" because, like much memory, it is associative, highly specific, rapidly-induced, and retained indefinitely, at least for months. The basal forebrain cholinergic system may be a substrate because its paired activation is sufficient to induce receptive field plasticity in the absence of actual behavioral learning experiences.

Keywords: Cholinergic; cortex/memory; plasticity; potentiation

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory and Department of Psychobiology, University of California, Irvine, California, 92697-3800

Publication date: 1997-01-01