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Multiple sites of extinction for a single learned response.
Brian E Kalmbach1, Michael D Mauk
1Center for Learning and Memory, Section of Neurobiology, Univ. of Texas, 1 Univ. Station, C7000, Austin, TX 78712, USA. brian@mail.clm.utexas.edu
Journal of Neurophysiology
|September 24, 2011
Summary
Learned responses can be reduced through extinction. This study shows that trace conditioning extinction involves plasticity in both the cerebellum and forebrain, with varying contributions between individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Psychology
- Learning and Memory
Background:
- Extinction is a key process for diminishing learned responses by withholding reinforcement.
- Trace conditioning involves a stimulus-free interval between the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US).
- Both cerebellar and forebrain structures are implicated in the acquisition of trace eyelid conditioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural mechanisms underlying extinction of trace eyelid conditioning.
- To determine the role of the cerebellum and forebrain in this extinction process.
- To explore individual differences in extinction mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Utilized trace eyelid conditioning in rabbits.
- Manipulated extinction mechanisms in the cerebellum and forebrain.
- Observed the effects of these manipulations on response extinction.
Main Results:
- Individual differences were observed in the effects of blocking cerebellar extinction mechanisms.
- In some rabbits, extinction was prevented, while in others, it was unaffected.
- Cerebellar mechanisms were shown to mediate extinction even when noncerebellar pathways were bypassed.
Conclusions:
- Trace eyelid response extinction involves plasticity in multiple brain regions, including the cerebellum and forebrain.
- These distinct sites contribute to extinction, with their relative importance varying across individuals and situations.
- The findings highlight the distributed nature of learning and memory extinction processes.
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