[Abstract Title]. - Society for Neuroscience

Poster
295. Memory Consolidation, Reconsolidation, Anatomy, and Mechanisms
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Program#/Poster#: 295.10/SS60
Topic: F.02.h. Memory modulation, consolidation, and reconsolidation
Support: R01-AG13622
R01-NS38480
P50 MH077972
Title: Following structural dynamics of neurons in mammalian brain during spatial learning task
Authors: *J. BALAJI 1 , R. CZAJKOWSKI 2 , A. J. SILVA 2 ;
1 Departments of Neurobiology,Ps, 2 Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral
Sciences, Psychology and Brain Res. In, UCLA, Los angeles, CA
Abstract: Neurons involved in memory formation have long been postulated to undergo
structural changes during memory acquisition and consolidation. However there is little direct
evidence that synaptic level structural changes occur following behavioral training. This is
mostly due to technical limitations in imaging neurons that are involved in well established
behavioral paradigms such as the Morris water maze. Emerging optical technologies, such as the
use of long working distance objectives for multi-photon excitation (following craniotomy) or
imaging through Gradient Index (GRIN) lenses, have helped to overcome some of these
limitations. Using a relatively small, simple to implement and chronically sustainable optical
probe together with state of the art in vivo imaging technology, we show that it is possible to
follow structural changes occurring in the mammalian brain over a prolonged period of time. We
further characterize our method in vitro, in tissue and in live brain to arrive at the limits of our
approach.
Disclosures: J. Balaji, None; R. Czajkowski, None; A.J. Silva, None.
Poster
295. Memory Consolidation, Reconsolidation, Anatomy, and Mechanisms
Time: Sunday, November 16, 2008, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm