Pavlovian and Instrumental Conditioning Within the Spinal Cord: Methodological Issues

Grau, James W.; Joynes, Robin L.

doi:10.1007/978-1-4615-1437-4_2

Cited by 12 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 80 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This pattern of results suggests that a form of protection from habituation may have generated the CS+/CS- difference. (Adapted from Grau & Joynes, 2001. )…”

Section: Figmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the course of conducting these studies, we have been forced to grapple with the definition of learning and the methods used to demonstrate it (reviewed in Allen, Grau, & Meagher, 2009; Grau & Joynes, 2001, 2005a, 2005b, 2006). The work has implications for our description of spinal function, recovery after spinal injury and, we suggest here, how we characterize brain-dependent learning.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Learning from the spinal cord: How the study of spinal cord plasticity informs our view of learning

Grau

2014

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The paper reviews research examining whether and how training can induce a lasting change in spinal cord function. A framework for the study of learning, and some essential issues in experimental design, are discussed. A core element involves delayed assessment under common conditions. Research has shown that brain systems can induce a lasting (memory-like) alteration in spinal function. Neurons within the lower (lumbosacral) spinal cord can also adapt when isolated from the brain by means of a thoracic transection. Using traditional learning paradigms, evidence suggests that spinal neurons support habituation and sensitization as well as Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning. At a neurobiological level, spinal systems support phenomena (e.g., long-term potentiation), and involve mechanisms (e.g., NMDA mediated plasticity, protein synthesis) implicated in brain-dependent learning and memory. Spinal learning also induces modulatory effects that alter the capacity for learning. Uncontrollable/unpredictable stimulation disables the capacity for instrumental learning and this effect has been linked to the cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Predictable/controllable stimulation enables learning and counters the adverse effects of uncontrollable simulation through a process that depends upon brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Finally, uncontrollable, but not controllable, nociceptive stimulation impairs recovery after a contusion injury. A process-oriented approach (neurofunctionalism) is outlined that encourages a broader view of learning phenomena.

show abstract

“…This pattern of results suggests that a form of protection from habituation may have generated the CS+/CS- difference. (Adapted from Grau & Joynes, 2001. )…”

Section: Figmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Learning from the spinal cord: How the study of spinal cord plasticity informs our view of learning

Grau

2014

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Research has shown that spinal neurons can support both Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning [2,4]. Here, we focus on instrumental learning because we believe that it has greater implications for the recovery of function after injury.…”

Section: Instrumental Learning Within the Spinal Cordmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We have addressed this question by outlining a list of criteria [2]. Although we apply these criteria to a particular situation (spinal learning), they are applicable to any paradigm where learning is thought to operate.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Spinal neurons exhibit a surprising capacity to learn and a hidden vulnerability when freed from the brain’s control

Grau

Hook²

2006

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…In our laboratory, we have explored these effects using an instrumental [a.k.a., operant (Grau, 2000)] training paradigm in which spinally transected (spinalized) rats are given legshock whenever one hindlimb is extended (Crown et al, 2002a;Crown and Grau, 2001;Grau et al, 1998;Grau and Joynes, 2001;Joynes et al, 2002). Over the course of a 30-min training session, rats learn to maintain the shocked leg in a flexed position, reducing net exposure to shock (Grau et al, 1998).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Uncontrollable Stimulation Undermines Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury

Grau

Washburn

Hook

et al. 2004

Journal of Neurotrauma

Self Cite

131

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Prior studies have shown that neurons within the spinal cord are sensitive to response-outcome relations, a form of instrumental learning. Spinally transected rats that receive shock to one hind leg learn to maintain the leg in a flexed position that minimizes net shock exposure (controllable shock). Prior exposure to uncontrollable stimulation (intermittent shock) inhibits this spinally mediated learning. Here it is shown that uncontrollable stimulation undermines the recovery of function after a spinal contusion injury. Rats received a moderate injury (12.5 mm drop) and recovery was monitored for 6 weeks. In Experiment 1, rats received varying amounts of intermittent tailshock 1-2 days after injury. Just 6 min of intermittent shock impaired locomotor recovery. In Experiment 2, rats were shocked 1, 4, or 14 days after injury. Delaying the application of shock exposure reduced its negative effect on recovery. In Experiment 3, rats received controllable or uncontrollable shock 24 and 48 h after injury. Only uncontrollable shock disrupted recovery of locomotor function. Uncontrollably shocked rats also exhibited higher vocalization thresholds to aversive stimuli (heat and shock) applied below the injury. Across the three experiments, exposure to uncontrollable shock, (1) delayed the recovery of bladder function; (2) led to greater mortality and spasticity; and (3) increased tissue loss (white and gray matter) in the region of the injury. The results indicate that uncontrollable stimulation impairs recovery after spinal cord injury and suggest that reducing sources of uncontrolled afferent input (e.g., from peripheral tissue injury) could benefit patient recovery.

show abstract

Pavlovian and Instrumental Conditioning Within the Spinal Cord: Methodological Issues

Cited by 12 publications

References 80 publications

Learning from the spinal cord: How the study of spinal cord plasticity informs our view of learning

Learning from the spinal cord: How the study of spinal cord plasticity informs our view of learning

Spinal neurons exhibit a surprising capacity to learn and a hidden vulnerability when freed from the brain’s control

Uncontrollable Stimulation Undermines Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About