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Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

The Use of Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning to Assess Hippocampal Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Published on: August 5, 2017
Caudate nucleus is critically involved in trace eyeblink conditioning.
Luke C Flores1, John F Disterhoft
1Department of Physiology, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. lukeflores2011@u.northwestern.edu
The caudate nucleus (CN) is essential for learning trace eyeblink conditioning (EBC) in rabbits. Neuronal activity in the CN changes during learning, showing its critical role in this associative task.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Learning and Memory
Background:
- The basal ganglia, including the striatum (caudate nucleus and putamen), are crucial for motor control.
- Trace eyeblink conditioning (EBC) is a forebrain-dependent associative learning task requiring a time gap between conditioned and unconditioned stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the caudate nucleus (CN) is essential for acquiring trace EBC.
- To investigate learning-related neuronal activity changes within the CN during trace EBC.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral lesions of the CN in rabbits to assess its necessity for trace EBC acquisition.
- Single-unit recordings in the CN to monitor neuronal activity during trace EBC training.
Main Results:
- CN lesions prevented rabbits from acquiring trace EBC, confirming its essential role.
- Medium spiny neurons showed strong responses to the conditioned stimulus (CS) early in training.
- Cholinergic interneurons exhibited altered responsiveness to the CS and changes during the trace interval post-learning.
Conclusions:
- The caudate nucleus is indispensable for the acquisition of trace EBC.
- Specific neuronal populations within the CN undergo activity modifications that correlate with learning progression in trace EBC.

