Dynamic functional brain networks involved in simple visual discrimination learning

• Published in: Neurobiology of learning and memory Vol. 114; pp. 165 - 170
• Main Authors: Fidalgo, Camino, Conejo, Nélida María, González-Pardo, Héctor, Arias, Jorge Luis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.10.2014; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Animals; Brain; Brain - physiology; Cognition & reasoning; Cytochrome c oxidase; Discrimination Learning - physiology; Electron Transport Complex IV - metabolism; Functional brain networks; Learning; Male; Maze Learning - physiology; Nerve Net - physiology; Orientation - physiology; Rat; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Visual discrimination learning; Visual Perception - physiology; Visual task performance; Cytochrome c oxidase; Visual discrimination learning; Rat; Functional brain networks
• ISSN: 1074-7427; 1095-9564
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2014.06.001

•Cortical, striatal and hippocampal regions are linked to discrimination learning.•The hippocampus showed a time-limited involvement during early discrimination learning.•A brain network comprising prefrontal areas was related with discrimination learning. Visual discrimination tasks have been widely used to evaluate many types of learning and memory processes. However, little is known about the brain regions involved at different stages of visual discrimination learning. We used cytochrome c oxidase histochemistry to evaluate changes in regional brain oxidative metabolism during visual discrimination learning in a water-T maze at different time points during training. As compared with control groups, the results of the present study reveal the gradual activation of cortical (prefrontal and temporal cortices) and subcortical brain regions (including the striatum and the hippocampus) associated to the mastery of a simple visual discrimination task. On the other hand, the brain regions involved and their functional interactions changed progressively over days of training. Regions associated with novelty, emotion, visuo-spatial orientation and motor aspects of the behavioral task seem to be relevant during the earlier phase of training, whereas a brain network comprising the prefrontal cortex was found along the whole learning process. This study highlights the relevance of functional interactions among brain regions to investigate learning and memory processes.