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Role of the medial and lateral septum in a variable goal spatial problem solving task
K A Fraser1, B Poucet, G Partlow
1Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Physiology & Behavior
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Rats with medial septal lesions show impaired spatial working memory, while lateral septal lesions do not. Atropine sulphate significantly impaired all rats, but atropine methylnitrate only affected lateral septal rats.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- The medial septum (MS) and lateral septum (LS) are critical brain regions involved in memory and spatial navigation.
- Understanding their specific roles in spatial working memory is essential for comprehending cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the medial septum (MS) and lateral septum (LS) in the acquisition of a spatial working memory task in rats.
- To examine the effects of cholinergic blockade using atropine sulphate and atropine methylnitrate on spatial working memory in rats with septal lesions.
Main Methods:
- Rats with lesions to the MS or LS, and control rats (CNT), were trained on a spatial working memory task involving a three-table apparatus.
- Following initial testing, animals received systemic administration of atropine sulphate, atropine methylnitrate, or saline.
- Performance was assessed by the animals' ability to return to a previously baited table.
Main Results:
- Rats with medial septal damage exhibited a significant impairment in acquiring the spatial working memory task, which resolved over time.
- Rats with lateral septal damage did not show significant deficits compared to controls.
- Atropine sulphate administration caused a marked decrease in performance across all groups.
- Atropine methylnitrate induced a mild, transient deficit specifically in lateral septal rats.
Conclusions:
- The medial septum is crucial for the initial acquisition of spatial working memory tasks.
- The lateral septum may be involved in specific aspects of spatial behavior that are sensitive to atropine methylnitrate.
- Cholinergic systems, particularly those affected by atropine sulphate, play a significant role in spatial working memory across different septal lesion conditions.