Brain functional network changes following Prelimbic area inactivation in a spatial memory extinction task

Spatial memory extinction differentially affects dorsal and ventral hippocampal metabolic activity and associated functional brain networks

“…This would be also consistent with the standard model of memory consolidation. In this regard, the prefrontal cortex has been associated with later stages of spatial learning in the MWM (Conejo et al, ), and specifically with the extinction of spatial memory, as revealed by an increased brain c‐Fos protein expression in the prelimbic and infralimbic areas (Mendez‐Couz et al, ) and a reorganization of underlying brain networks when this task is performed under prelimbic area inactivation (Mendez‐Couz et al, ). Strikingly, no differences were found in CO activation between groups.…”

“…The water temperature was kept at 20°C ± 1°C during the entire training period. The pool was surrounded by numerous visual patterns that acted as allocentric cues as previously described (Mendez‐Couz et al, ). Trials were recorded and later analyzed using a computerized video‐tracking system (Ethovision Pro, Noldus Information Technologies, Wageningen, The Netherlands).…”

“…Before the beginning of the experimental procedure, rats were handled daily during 5 days to reduce anxiety related to manipulation procedures. MWM procedure was carried out following a reference spatial memory protocol, after which rats underwent an extinction of spatial memory procedure adapted by Rossato et al () as previously reported (Mendez‐Couz et al, ). The spatial memory tasks were performed between 09:30 and 14:00 h.…”

“…We have previously reported the involvement of the amygdala, the mammillary bodies and the prefrontal cortex at late stages of this task (Mendez‐Couz et al, ). However, prelimbic area inactivation did not impair acquisition of the extinction task (Mendez‐Couz et al, ) although changes in extinction‐associated functional brain networks were found. The latter study also suggested the involvement of spatial memory‐related structures such as the hippocampus, the retrosplenial cortex, the mammillary body (Aggleton and Pearce, ) and the amygdala (Conejo et al, ) at early stages of this task.…”

Functional brain networks underlying latent inhibition of conditioned disgust in rats

“…In addition, CO histochemistry allows the assessment of cumulative changes throughout the learning process, which is critical in understanding the processes underpinning latent inhibition, where non-reinforced initial exposure can occur a matter of days before conditioning and testing. CO activity provides an accurate assessment of the metabolic history of brain regions because sustained increased or decreased in neuronal activity lead to corresponding changes in CO activity [30,31,32]. As such, it reflects the temporal dynamics of brain metabolism over the acquisition and retrieval of learning, not only in specific brain regions but also in terms of their functional connectivity [33].…”