Associative Learning: Amygdala & Perirhinal Cortex

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of the basolateral amygdala in associative learning?

It is essential when pairing neutral stimuli with danger cues. (correct)

It is involved in first-order conditioning only.

It helps extinguish associations formed in safe environments.

It is critical for learning associations in the absence of danger.

In second-order conditioning, what is the role of the tone (S1) when paired with the light (S2)?

It predicts danger after being conditioned with the unconditioned stimulus. (correct)

It serves as an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a response.

It becomes a neutral stimulus without any direct association.

It has no effect on the light as a conditioned stimulus.

What outcome occurs during extinction procedures involving the tone (S1) and the light (S2)?

The light becomes an unconditioned stimulus during extinction.

The tone is unpaired with the light, weakening the learned association. (correct)

The association between the tone and light is strengthened.

The tone continues to elicit a response as a conditioned stimulus.

What is the primary function of the perirhinal cortex in associative learning?

It plays a vital role when learning occurs without any danger present. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of GABAA receptor agonist (Muscimol) infusion on the brain regions involved in associative learning?

It temporarily inactivates either the perirhinal cortex or the basolateral amygdala. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the PRh in relation to sensory preconditioning?

Critical for forming associations between two neutral stimuli Signup and view all the answers

In a neutral context, which brain structure is necessary for the association between S2 and S1?

PRh Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the role of the BLA?

Essential for associating a conditioned S1 with S2 Signup and view all the answers

What impact does blocking NMDA receptors in the PRh have on freezing behavior to S2?

Reduces freezing compared to controls Signup and view all the answers

What was the finding regarding extinction of the S2-S1 association in a dangerous context?

BLA is required for extinction specifically due to NMDAR neurotransmission Signup and view all the answers

Which experiment showed that the freezing response to S2 is driven by its association with S1?

Experiment 3A Signup and view all the answers

How does the role of PRh differ in contexts involving conditioned versus neutral stimuli?

PRh is critical exclusively for neutral stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Experiment 4A regarding extinction of sensory preconditioned fear?

Retention of first-order conditioned fear was unaffected Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of extinction does the BLA specifically support?

Extinction when S1 is conditioned Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario does the PRh not play a necessary role?

Extinction of sensory preconditioned fear Signup and view all the answers

What was shown by Experiment 5B regarding the BLA's role in a dangerous context?

BLA is crucial for S2-S1 pairing associations Signup and view all the answers

Why is NMDAR neurotransmission in the BLA critical?

For associating S2 with conditioned stimuli Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the cortical and subcortical pathways involving the PRh and BLA?

Cortical pathway is for detailed sensory processing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amygdala and Perirhinal Cortex in Associative Learning

Key Roles: Perirhinal cortex (PRh) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) are crucial for learning associations between stimuli, especially in the presence of danger. Their roles are distinct and context-dependent.

Conditioning Procedures

First-Order Conditioning: Pairing a neutral stimulus (e.g., tone – S1) with an unpleasant stimulus (e.g., shock – US) creates a conditioned response (e.g., fear). The neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) that elicits the response on its own.
Second-Order Conditioning: A previously conditioned stimulus (e.g., tone – S1) is paired with a new neutral stimulus (e.g., light – S2). The new stimulus (S2) eventually elicits the conditioned response (e.g., fear) without direct pairing with the unpleasant stimulus.
Fear Preconditioning : Rats were trained by pairing two neutral stimuli (light and tone) to learn about associations under different emotional contexts.
Extinction Procedures: Breaking the association between stimuli (e.g., unpairing tone and light) to see if the learned associations can be undone.

Experimental Conditions

Abbreviations:
- S1 = tone
- S2 = light
- US = shock
Experimental design: Different groups were trained in different ways, with variations on the pairing of S1, S2 and US. This involved establishing associations and attempting to eliminate them.

Neuroscientific Procedures

GABAA Receptor Agonist (Muscimol) Infusion: Temporarily inactivated brain regions to study their role in learning
NMDA Receptor Antagonist (Ifenprodil) Infusion: Blocked NMDA receptors to examine the role of glutamatergic signaling in learning and extinction.

Results Summary (Experiments 1-6)

PRh: Crucial for forming associations between neutral stimuli, especially when both stimuli are neutral. Plays a role in extinction when the initial stimulus is neutral.
BLA: Critical for forming associations between stimuli when a stimulus is already associated with a fear response, or in a dangerous context. Critical in extinction when a stimulus is already associated with a fear response or in a dangerous context.
Context Dependence: The roles of PRh and BLA in forming and extinguishing associations are dependent on the emotional context (safe vs. dangerous).
NMDAR Neurotransmission: Critical in both PRh and BLA functions relating to forming and extinguishing associations, especially in the different contexts.
Associative Learning Mechanisms: PRh appears to be crucial for "mediating" or chaining associations between the stimuli.
Double Dissociation: The processes related to the two structures (PRh and BLA) are functionally independent.

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Description

Explore the roles of the perirhinal cortex and basolateral amygdala in associative learning, particularly under conditions of danger. This quiz covers first-order conditioning, second-order conditioning, and fear preconditioning, highlighting how neutral stimuli can become conditioned responses.