Neuroscience 2001 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 744.2 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | PLACE CELL ANALYSIS OF CA3 NMDA RECEPTOR KNOCKOUT MICE. |
| Authors: |
Nakazawa, K.*1
; Quirk, M. C.1
; Wilson, M. A.1
; Tonegawa, S.1
1Ctr For Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Inst Technol, Cambridge, MA |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Cognition and Behavior - Animal Cognition and Behavior -- Cognitive learning and memory systems |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior<br />- Animal Cognition and Behavior<br />-- Learning & memory: Physiology and imaging |
| Session: |
744. Animal cognition and behavior: cognitive learning and memory systems: spatial learning--physiology and pharmacology Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Wednesday, November 14, 2001 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | Exhibit Hall SS-42 |
| Keywords: | CA3, CA1, PLACE CELLS, NMDA RECEPTOR |
We have analyzed genetically engineered mice in which NMDA receptor subunit 1 (NR1) is ablated only in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells (Nakazawa et al., 2000, SFN abstr. 564.3). In the hidden platform version of the Morris water maze task, memory acquisition and retrieval of a fixed platform position were normal in the CA3 NR knockout (mutant) mice. However, the memory retrieval was impaired when the extramaze cues were partially eliminated, suggesting that CA3 NRs are involved in spatial pattern completion. In a delayed matching-to-place (DMP) version, in which the platform position was changed day by day, the mutants showed deficits, suggesting a role for CA3 NRs in hippocampal working memory.
To explore the neural mechanisms underlying these deficits in the mutants, we measured CA1 place cell activity of freely exploring animals using in vivo tetrode recording techniques. Preliminary results comparing mutants and NR1-floxed (control) mice showed that place field size and peak firing rate of CA1 place cells in mutants are dramatically decreased when allocentric cues are partially eliminated in a familiar open field, while those in controls are not changed. These results suggest that CA1 place cells in mutants are vulnerable to perturbation of current spatial context, which may be involved in the impaired pattern completion.
To explore the neural mechanisms underlying these deficits in the mutants, we measured CA1 place cell activity of freely exploring animals using in vivo tetrode recording techniques. Preliminary results comparing mutants and NR1-floxed (control) mice showed that place field size and peak firing rate of CA1 place cells in mutants are dramatically decreased when allocentric cues are partially eliminated in a familiar open field, while those in controls are not changed. These results suggest that CA1 place cells in mutants are vulnerable to perturbation of current spatial context, which may be involved in the impaired pattern completion.
Supported by NIH grant RO1 NS32925
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2001 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2001. Online.
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