Description
- Abstract:
- Learning to perceptually discriminate chemical signals in our environment (olfactory perceptual learning) is critical for survival. Multiple mechanisms have been implicated in olfactory perceptual learning, including modulation of neurogenesis and manipulation of cholinergic activity. However, the relative contribution of these mechanisms to olfactory perceptual learning has remained unclear. Using a combination of pharmacological and optogenetic approaches, we found that cholinergic activity is both necessary and sufficient to support olfactory perceptual learning, and that this process is dependent upon the presence of newly born cells in the olfactory bulb. We also determined that olfactory perceptual learning leaves a long-term odorant memory. This study is the first to directly link cholinergic activity and neurogenesis to support olfactory perceptual learning.
- Notes:
- Thesis (Ph. D.)--Brown University, 2017
Access Conditions
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Citation
Nitenson, Arielle Nicole Price Schilit,
"Acetylcholine Supports Olfactory Perceptual Learning through Adult Neurogenesis"
(2017).
Neuroscience Theses and Dissertations.
Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library.
https://doi.org/10.7301/Z0610XSR
