TY - JOUR
T1 - Facilitation of generalization performances in spatial learning problems by posttrial stimulation of the mesencephalic reticular formation
AU - Ammassari-Teule, Martine
AU - Fombon, Anne Marie
AU - Bloch, Vincent
PY - 1984
Y1 - 1984
N2 - The effects of low posttrial stimulation of the mesenphalic reticular formation (MRF) on spatial learning problems were studied in two consecutive stages. First, the performances of stimulated (S) and no-stimulated (NS) subjects were assessed in a reconvergent three-arm maze. Secondly, the same animals were tested in a generalization paradigm, since they had to solve a similar task in a radial four-arm maze, each group being divided into newly stimulated (S-S, NS-S) or no-stimulated (S-NS, NS-NS) subjects. In the first experiment, no differences were found between the acquisition processes of groups S and NS. Conversely, in the second experiment, previously stimulated animals (S-S and S-NS) showed better generalization of the experimental rule. The results are discussed in terms of perseveration of the neural activity after the early MRF stimulation. From a functional point of view, our data indicate that an enhancement of the neural activity during acquisition facilitates not only a high accessibility of memories concerning the experimental rule in a subsequent similar situation but also the capability to apply a previously elaborated response system in a more complex situation.
AB - The effects of low posttrial stimulation of the mesenphalic reticular formation (MRF) on spatial learning problems were studied in two consecutive stages. First, the performances of stimulated (S) and no-stimulated (NS) subjects were assessed in a reconvergent three-arm maze. Secondly, the same animals were tested in a generalization paradigm, since they had to solve a similar task in a radial four-arm maze, each group being divided into newly stimulated (S-S, NS-S) or no-stimulated (S-NS, NS-NS) subjects. In the first experiment, no differences were found between the acquisition processes of groups S and NS. Conversely, in the second experiment, previously stimulated animals (S-S and S-NS) showed better generalization of the experimental rule. The results are discussed in terms of perseveration of the neural activity after the early MRF stimulation. From a functional point of view, our data indicate that an enhancement of the neural activity during acquisition facilitates not only a high accessibility of memories concerning the experimental rule in a subsequent similar situation but also the capability to apply a previously elaborated response system in a more complex situation.
KW - Generalization
KW - Memory consolidation
KW - Reticular stimulation
KW - Spatial learning
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U2 - 10.1016/0031-9384(84)90297-X
DO - 10.1016/0031-9384(84)90297-X
M3 - Article
C2 - 6494301
AN - SCOPUS:0021280768
VL - 32
SP - 1027
EP - 1031
JO - Physiology and Behavior
JF - Physiology and Behavior
SN - 0031-9384
IS - 6
ER -