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Dorsal striatal lesions in rats. 2: Effects on spatial and non-spatial learning
F Thullier1, R Lalonde, P Mahler
1Université de Nancy 1, Laboratoire de Biologie et Physiologie du Comportement, URA CNRS 1293, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France. thullier@scbiol. u-nancy.fr
Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Rats with dorsal striatal lesions showed no spatial or motor learning deficits but exhibited perseveration in a food approach task. This suggests dorsal striatal function is crucial for response flexibility, not initial learning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
Background:
- The dorsal striatum is implicated in motor control and learning.
- Its precise role in behavioral flexibility and habit formation remains under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dorsal striatal lesions on spatial learning, sensorimotor coordination, and behavioral flexibility.
- To determine if dorsal striatal damage impairs acquisition or leads to perseverative behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Electrolytic lesions of the dorsal striatum were induced in rats.
- Behavioral assessments included the Morris water maze (spatial learning), rotorod test (sensorimotor learning), and a runway task with extinction (behavioral flexibility).
Main Results:
- Rats with dorsal striatal lesions showed no deficits in acquiring spatial or sensorimotor tasks.
- Lesioned rats did not differ in initial food approach response but displayed significantly lower running latencies during extinction, indicating perseveration.
Conclusions:
- Dorsal striatal lesions do not impair the acquisition of spatial or sensorimotor skills.
- These lesions can lead to perseverative responding, suggesting a role for the dorsal striatum in behavioral flexibility and the ability to inhibit previously learned responses.