Systems level consolidation is the process by which memories that are initially dependent on one memory system for recall become independent of that system over time. Current theories of consolidation propose that some, but not all, forms of memory initially dependent on the hippocampus may be consolidated in the neocortex. One rodent memory model that undergoes consolidation outside of the hippocampus is social transmission of food preferences (STFP). Of interest, there has been some evidence to indicate that the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) may be involved in the remote recall of socially transmitted food preferences. The experiments conducted within this dissertation test specific hypotheses about the contributions of the hippocampus and OFC to learning and memory for STFP. Levels of transcription factors involved in consolidation were measured following acquisition, recent recall, and remote recall across several brain regions implicated in STFP memory. These findings indicate a time-limited role for the hippocampus and an increasing contribution of the OFC. In addition, excitotoxic lesions of the hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex were made to test the necessity of these regions in STFP acquisition, consolidation, and recall. Consistent with previous reports, damage to the hippocampus impaired recent recall but spared remote recall and acquisition. Damage to the OFC had no effect on acquisition or recall. The main conclusion from this work is that the OFC is not necessary for STFP acquisition or systems consolidation, but it may serve a non-mnemonic function as the memory degrades over time / acase@tulane.edu
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:TULANE/oai:http://digitallibrary.tulane.edu/:tulane_23154 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Contributors | Smith, Clayton Anderson (Author), Zadina, James (Thesis advisor) |
| Publisher | Tulane University |
| Source Sets | Tulane University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | Access requires a license to the Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest) database., Copyright is in accordance with U.S. Copyright law |
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