Multiple-object memory requires the hippocampus
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Date
2007
Authors
Yim, Tonia Tan-Ling
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2007
Abstract
This thesis investigates the role of the hippocampus in object memory. Currently,
the role of the hippocampus in object recognition is unclear, with some studies
demonstrating a delay-dependent impairment after hippocampal damage, others showing
no impairment. The present thesis used the novel object recognition task and its variants
to investigate various types of object memory in hippocampal lesion rats. In the first
study, impairments were observed in discriminating object order and associating objects
with contexts, while no impairment was observed in novel object recognition. In the
second study, it was found that encountering another object shortly prior to or after
encountering a target object impairs the recognition of the target object. In a control
procedure, encountering a novel context either shortly before or after encountering the
target object did not impair object recognition. In sum, in the absence of the hippocampus,
object memory becomes vulnerable to interference, rendering rats unable to discern
memories of multiple objects. The present thesis concludes that the hippocampus
discriminates multiple objects via pattern separation. A stimulus-response model relating
the role of the hippocampus to object memory is proposed.
Description
vii, 150 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Dissertations, Academic , Brain -- Research , Memory -- Research , Hippocampus (Brain) -- Physiology -- Research , Rats as laboratory animals