The Neuronal Basis of Learning.
Abstract
Studies have begun on the conditioning of identified neurons in the leech Hirudo and on the sea hare Aplysia, and studies have begun on the sea lung Pluerobranchaea on an aspect of the proposed research common to the conditioning of identified neurons system, i.e., those that produce several behaviors by means of the same constituent neurons. In the studies on Hirudo, evidence has been obtained for conditioning in identified neurons that receive inputs from equally identifiable sensory neurons that convey to the central nervous system the conditioned and unconditioned stimuli used in training. At least in one circuit, the neuron that produces the reinforcement has been identified. These changes, however, are short-term, lasting usually no longer than a few seconds to several minutes after training. In further experiments, already begun, the neuroeffective substances related to stress that may convert the short-term changes into long-lasting ones will be examined. Similar experiments have been done in Aplysia, but these are presently too few in number (20 as opposed to 40 on Hirudo) from which to make definite statements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA133973
Entities
People
- George J. Mpitsos
Organizations
- Oregon Health & Science University