Enhancing Associative Learning in Rats With a Computationally Designed Training Protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Learning requires the activation of protein kinases with distinct temporal dynamics. In Aplysia, nonassociative learning can be enhanced by a computationally designed learning protocol with intertrial intervals (ITIs) that maximize the interaction between fast-activated PKA (protein kinase A) and slow-activated ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase). Whether a similar strategy can enhance associative learning in mammals is unknown.

Methods

We simulated 1000 training protocols with varying ITIs to predict an optimal protocol based on empirical data for PKA and ERK dynamics in rat hippocampus. Adult male rats received the optimal protocol or control protocols in auditory fear conditioning and fear extinction experiments. Immunohistochemistry was performe

SUBMITTER: Zhang XO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10829654 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature