The role of L-type calcium channels in early odor preference learning

Jerome, David Kenneth (2012) The role of L-type calcium channels in early odor preference learning. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

These experiments provide evidence that L-Type Calcium Channels (LTCCs) are present in the neonate rat olfactory bulb, and that they are involved in the formation of early olfactory preference memories. Immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that LTCCs arc present in the olfactory bulb, with the highest concentration observed on mitral cell apical dendrites, and on periglomerular cells. Inhibition of LTCCs was sufficient to block early odor learning induced by an intrabulbar infusion or β-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol. Stimulation of LTCCs in the olfactory bulb was not sufficient to induce an early olfactory learning event, but did succeed in rescuing isoproterenol-induced learning from a block of the NMDA receptor. Finally, an NMDA receptor block, but not LTCC block, was necessary to prevent learning induced by an infusion of the GABA receptor antagonist gabazine. These results support the theory that LTCCs contribute to the conditioned stimulus of early olfactory learning via the influx of calcium into the cell.

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