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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Aversive Associative Learning and Memory Formation by Pairing Two Chemicals in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: June 23, 2022
Learning and memory
1Research Group Neuronal Plasticity/Mouse Behaviour, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany. wotjak@mpipsykl.mpg.de
Abstract:
Learning and memory processes are thought to underlie a variety of human psychiatric disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Basic research performed in laboratory animals may help to elucidate the aetiology of the respective diseases. This chapter gives a short introduction into theoretical and practical aspects of animal experiments aimed at investigating acquisition, consolidation and extinction of aversive memories. It describes the behavioural paradigms most commonly used as well as neuroanatomical, cellular and molecular correlates of aversive memories. Finally, it discusses clinical implications of the results obtained in animal experiments in respect to the development of novel pharmacotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of human patients.
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