Environmental enrichment accelerates the stabilization of cortical representation during <i>de novo</i> learning.

ABSTRACT: Environmental enrichment is an established strategy to enhance learning and to build resilience against neurodegeneration. This work aimed to study the functional encoding dynamics of cortical neurons in enriched mice performing a virtual spatial foraging task. Thy1-GCaMP6s mice were enriched by running a complex obstacle course, with different types of hurdles requiring climbing, jumping, and/or balancing elements. Two-photon calcium imaging was conducted on populations of neurons from the secondary motor cortex before, during, and after repeated locomotion through a virtual environment with visual-tactile cues. We observed an increase in memory reactivation during the first day of exposure. With training, enriched animals exhibited a stronger anticipatory response near the reward locatio

SUBMITTER: Esteves IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12805373 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature