Published by Elsevier Ltd
A ROLE FOR ADULT NEUROGENESIS IN SPATIAL LONG-TERM
MEMORY
Snyder, J.S., Hong, N.S., McDonald, R.J, Wojtowicz, J.M.
Department of Physiology, University of Toronto,
1 King's College Circle, Room 3214
Toronot, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A8
Abstract:
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been linked
to learning but details of the relationship between neuronal
production and memory formation remain unknown. Using
low dose irradiation to inhibit adult hippocampal neurogenesis
we show that new neurons aged 428 days old at the
time of training are required for long-term memory in a spatial
version of the water maze. This effect of irradiation was
specific since long-term memory for a visibly cued platform
remained intact. Furthermore, irradiation just before or after
water maze training had no effect on learning or long-term
memory. Relationships between learning and new neuron
survival, as well as proliferation, were investigated but found
non-significant. These results suggest a new role for adult
neurogenesis in the formation and/or consolidation of longterm,
hippocampus-dependent, spatial memories.© 2004
IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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