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Converging Methodologies in a Mammalian “Simple System” Focused on the Biology of Memory: Conditioned Odor Preference in the Neonate Rat

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Multidisciplinary Tools for Investigating Synaptic Plasticity

Part of the book series: Neuromethods ((NM,volume 81))

Abstract

We present here a critical period model for odor preference learning in the rat pup, which can produce short-term or lifelong changes in odor-related behaviors depending on training parameters. Features which make it a powerful tool for the analysis of memory processes are described. The chapter outlines four behavioral protocols and then provides an overview of a range of methodologies, primarily physiological, which we have used to probe the circuit changes produced by training. Each of these approaches offers different strengths for an experimental dissection of how the olfactory bulb, or any neural structure, is changed by learning. The direction they provide both supports and modifies popular hypotheses in the biology of memory.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada

    Qi Yuan & John H. McLean

  2. Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada

    Carolyn W. Harley

Authors
  1. Qi Yuan
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  2. Carolyn W. Harley
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  3. John H. McLean
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Medical Sciences Building 7-14, Edmonton, T6G 2H7, Alberta, Canada

    Peter Nguyen

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Yuan, Q., Harley, C.W., McLean, J.H. (2013). Converging Methodologies in a Mammalian “Simple System” Focused on the Biology of Memory: Conditioned Odor Preference in the Neonate Rat. In: Nguyen, P. (eds) Multidisciplinary Tools for Investigating Synaptic Plasticity. Neuromethods, vol 81. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-517-0_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-517-0_11

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-516-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-517-0

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