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Nonnavigational spatial memory performance is unaffected by hippocampal damage in monkeys
Benjamin M Basile1, Robert R Hampton2
1Section on the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Laboratory of Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
Hippocampus
|August 3, 2018
Summary
Hippocampal lesions did not impair spatial memory in a nonnavigational task, unlike temporary inactivation. This suggests the hippocampus is crucial for navigational but not nonnavigational spatial memory in monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- The hippocampus's role in spatial memory is debated, particularly in nonnavigational tasks.
- Previous studies show conflicting results regarding hippocampal lesions versus temporary inactivation effects on spatial memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that transient hippocampal disruption causes deficits, while permanent lesions do not, due to strategy differences.
- To evaluate the impact of permanent hippocampal lesions on nonnavigational spatial memory in rhesus monkeys.
Main Methods:
- Five rhesus monkeys with hippocampal lesions and five controls completed a computerized Hamilton Search Task.
- Monkeys identified rewarded locations on a touchscreen, with chosen locations being depleted.
Main Results:
- Monkeys with hippocampal damage performed as accurately as controls, irrespective of retention interval.
- No significant differences in strategy use (learning rates, search biases, errors) were observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Permanent hippocampal lesions do not impair performance on this nonnavigational spatial memory task.
- The hippocampus appears critical for navigational (allocentric) spatial memory, but not nonnavigational (egocentric) spatial memory.
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