Working memory is a core cognitive function that supports goal-directed behavior and complex thought.We developed a spatial working memory and attention test on paired symbols(SWAPS)which has been proved to be a usefu...Working memory is a core cognitive function that supports goal-directed behavior and complex thought.We developed a spatial working memory and attention test on paired symbols(SWAPS)which has been proved to be a useful and valid tool for spatial working memory and attention studies in the fields of cognitive psychology,education,and psychiatry.The repeated administration of working memory capacity tests is common in clinical and research settings.Studies suggest that repeated cognitive tests may improve the performance scores also known as retest effects.The systematic investigation of retest effects in SWAPS is critical for interpreting scientific results,but it is still not fully developed.To address this,we recruited 77 college students aged 18–21 years and used SWAPS comprising 72 trials with different memory loads,learning time,and delay span.We repeated the test once a week for five weeks to investigate the retest effects of SWAPS.There were significant retest effects in the first two tests:the accuracy of the SWAPS tests significantly increased,and then stabilized.These findings provide useful information for researchers to appropriately use or interpret the repeated working memory tests.Further experiments are still needed to clarify the factors that mediate the retest effects,and find out the cognitive mechanism that influences the retest effects.展开更多
The relation between evolution of spatial working memory function and of morphology of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex among the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), the slow loris (Nycticebus coucang) and the tree shre...The relation between evolution of spatial working memory function and of morphology of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex among the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), the slow loris (Nycticebus coucang) and the tree shrew (Tupaia belangen chinensis) were reported in present paper. The results read as follows: In the DR performance with training, the rhesus monkeys and slow lorises could reach a criterion of 90% correct response at 1.1 ± 3.2 seconds, and 3.8±0.4 seconds delay interval, respectively, by 1000 training trails. The tree shrews failed to reach the criterion of 90% correct response even at 0 seconds delay interval by 1000 training trails. If a delay interval was tested in one session (30 trails) only, doing the DR performamce without training, the rhesus monkeys reached a correct of 80% or higher in each session at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 seconds delay, respectively. The percent correct in each session of the slow lorises showed no differences from the rhesus monkeys at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 seconds delay. However, when the delay interval was increased to 5 seconds, the percent correct of the DR performance declined to 70% or lower in the slow lorises. In the tree shrews the percent correct in each session reached to 70% or lower at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 seconds delay interval, respectively. The morphological studies revealed that the size of the prefrontal cortex increased, and the structure got complex in the course of the evolution in primates. It is suggested that the relation of evolution between the spatial working memory function and anatomy in the prefrontal cortex might be significant among the three species, both the development of morphology and that of the spatial working memory function in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are later than other regions of cerebral cortex in phylogenetic evolution course.展开更多
Effcient behavioral assays are crucial for understanding the neural mechanisms of cognitive functions.Here, we designed a high-throughput automatic training system for spatial cognition(HASS) for free-moving mice.Mice...Effcient behavioral assays are crucial for understanding the neural mechanisms of cognitive functions.Here, we designed a high-throughput automatic training system for spatial cognition(HASS) for free-moving mice.Mice were trained to return to the home arm and remain there during a delay period. Software was designed to enable automatic training in all its phases, including habituation, shaping, and learning. Using this system, we trained mice to successfully perform a spatially delayed nonmatch to sample task, which tested spatial cognition,working memory, and decision making. Performance depended on the delay duration, which is a hallmark of working memory tasks. The HASS enabled a human operator to train more than six mice simultaneously with minimal intervention, therefore greatly enhancing experimental efficiency and minimizing stress to the mice.Combined with the optogenetic method and neurophysiological techniques, the HASS will be useful in deciphering the neural circuitry underlying spatial cognition.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that lead exposure can result in cognitive dysfunction and behavior disorders. However, lead exposure impairments vary under different experimental conditions. OBJECTIVE： To det...BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that lead exposure can result in cognitive dysfunction and behavior disorders. However, lead exposure impairments vary under different experimental conditions. OBJECTIVE： To detect changes in spatial learning and memory following low-level lead exposure in rats, in Morris water maze test under the same experimental condition used to analyze lead exposure effects on various memory types and learning processes. DESIGN AND SETTING： The experiment was conducted at the Animal Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Science between February 2005 and March 2006. One-way analysis of variance （ANOVA） and behavioral observations were performed. MATERIALS： Sixteen male, healthy, adult, Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into normal con-trol and lead exposure groups （n = 8）. METHODS： Rats in the normal control group were fed distilled water, and those in the lead exposure group were fed 250 mL of 0.05% lead acetate once per day. At day 28, all rats performed the Morris water maze test, consisting of four phases： space navigation, probe test, working memory test, and visual cue test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Place navigation in the Morris water maze was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory, probe trials for spatial reference memory, working memory test for spatial working memory, and visual cue test for non-spatial cognitive function. Perkin-Elmer Model 300 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was utilized to determine blood lead levels in rats. RESULTS： （1） In the working memory test, the time to reach the platform remained unchanged between the control and lead exposure groups （F（1,1） = 0.007, P = 0.935）. A visible decrease in escape latencies was observed in each group （P = 0.028）. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups （F（1,1） = 1.869, P = 0.193）. The working memory probe test demonstrated no change between the two groups in the time spent in the target quadrant during the working memory probe test （F（1,1） = 1.869, P = 0.193）. However, by day 4, differences were observed in the working memory test （P 〈 0.01）. （2） Multivariate repetitive measure and ANOVA in place navigation presented no significant difference between the two groups （F（1,1） = 0.579, P = 0.459）. （3） Spatial probe test demonstrated that the time to reach the platform was significantly different between the two groups （F（1,1） = 4.587, P = 0.048）, and one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in swimming speed between the two groups （F（1,1） = 1.528, P = 0.237）. （4） In the visual cue test, all rats reached the platform within 15 seconds, with no significant difference （F（1,1） = 0.579, P = 0.459）. （5） During experimentation, all rats increased in body mass, but there was no difference between the two groups （F（1,1） = 0.05, P = 0.943）. At day 28 of 0.05% lead exposure, the blood lead level was 29.72 μg/L in the lead exposure group and 5.86 μg/L in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： The present results revealed low-level lead exposure significantly impaired spatial reference memory and spatial working memory, but had no effect on spatial learning.展开更多
Chronic long-term exposure to cuprizone causes severe brain demyelination in mice,which leads to changes in locomotion,working memory and anxiety.These findings suggest the importance of intact myelin for these behavi...Chronic long-term exposure to cuprizone causes severe brain demyelination in mice,which leads to changes in locomotion,working memory and anxiety.These findings suggest the importance of intact myelin for these behaviors.This study aimed to investigate the possible behavioral changes in mice with mild oligodendrocyte/myelin damage that parallels the white matter changes seen in the brains of patients with psychiatric disporders.We used the cuprizonetreated mouse model to test both tissue changes and behavioral functions（locomotor activity,anxiety status,and spatial working memory）.The results showed that mice given cuprizone in their diet for 7 days had no significant myelin breakdown as evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for myelin basic protein,while the number of mature oligodendrocytes was reduced.The number and length of Caspr protein clusters,a structural marker of the node of Ranvier,did not change.The locomotor activity of the cuprizonetreated mice increased whereas their anxiety levels were lower than in normal controls;spatial working memory,however,did not change.These results,for the first time,link emotion-related behavior with mild white matter damage in cuprizone-treated mice.展开更多
The current study investigated whether domestic dogs encode local and/or global cues in spatial working memory. Seven dogs were trained to use a source of allocentric information (local and/or global cues) to locate a...The current study investigated whether domestic dogs encode local and/or global cues in spatial working memory. Seven dogs were trained to use a source of allocentric information (local and/or global cues) to locate an attractive object they saw move and disappear behind one of the three opaque boxes arrayed in front of them. To do so, after the disappearance of the target object and out of the dogs’ knowledge, all sources of allocentric information were simultaneously shifted to a new spatial position and the dogs were forced to follow a U-shaped pathway leading to the hiding box. Out of the seven dogs that were trained in the detour problem, only three dogs learned to use the cues that were moved from trial to trial. On tests, local (boxes and experimenter) and/or global cues (walls of the room) were systematically and drastically shifted to a new position in the testing chamber. Although they easily succeeded the control trials, the three dogs failed to use a specific source of allocentric information when local and global cues were put in conflict. In discussion, we explore several hypotheses to explain why dogs have difficulties to use allocentric cues to locate a hidden object in a detour problem and why they do not differentiate the local and global cues in this particular experimental setting.展开更多
Hippocampus plays a central role in the acquisition and recall of both episodic and spatial memory. Studies have shown that garlic has neuroprotective effects in various capacities and enhancement of different forms o...Hippocampus plays a central role in the acquisition and recall of both episodic and spatial memory. Studies have shown that garlic has neuroprotective effects in various capacities and enhancement of different forms of memory. However, the effect of garlic spatial memory and direct effect of garlic extract on the activities of membrane bound enzymes Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase in the hippocampus of rat still remain elusive. Therefore, we studied the effect of ethanolic extract of garlic on spatial working memory using object location memory OLM test and the hippocampal Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities. Sixteen male wistar rats weighted 120 - 150 g were used and divided into two groups of eight rats each. The control and experimental groups were treated 1ml of normal saline and 500 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of garlic respectively orally for three weeks. OLM test was carried out on the two groups. Animals were sacrificed and the brains were removed, and hippocampi were carefully excised and homogenate was obtained. Homogenate was analyzed for Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities. There was significant increase in the exploration time in experimental group when compared with control group (p +/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities in experimental group when compared with control group (p +/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase. Our findings provide potential mechanism and therapeutic target for memory deficit neurological disorders.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Complex learning tasks result in a greater number of paradoxical sleep phases, which can improve memory. The effect of paradoxical sleep deprivation, induced by ＂flower pot＂ technique, on spatial refere...BACKGROUND： Complex learning tasks result in a greater number of paradoxical sleep phases, which can improve memory. The effect of paradoxical sleep deprivation, induced by ＂flower pot＂ technique, on spatial reference memory and working memory require further research. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of progressive paradoxical sleep deprivation in rats, subsequent to learning, on memory using the Morris Water Maze. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Controlled observation experiment. The experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University from December 2006 to October 2007. MATERIALS： Twenty-eight, male, Wistar rats, 3-4 months old, were provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Lanzhou University. The Morris Water Maze and behavioral analyses system was purchased from Genheart Company, Beijing, China. METHODS： All animals, according to a random digits table, were randomly divided into paradoxical sleep deprivation, tank control, and home cage control groups. Paradoxical sleep deprivation was induced by the ＂flower pot＂ technique for 72 hours, housing the rats on small platforms over water. Rats in the ＂tank control＂ and ＂home cage control＂ groups were housed either in a tank with large platforms over the water or in normal cages without paradoxical sleep deprivation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Morris Water Maze was employed for task learning and spatial memory testing. Rats in all groups were placed at six random starting points each day for four consecutive days. Each placement was repeated for two trials; the first trial represented reference memory and the second working memory. Rats in the first trial were allowed to locate the submerged platform within 120 seconds. Data, including swimming distance, escape latency, swimming velocity, percentage of time in correct quarter, and memory scores were recorded and analyzed automatically by behavioral analyses systems for Morris Water Maze. RESULTS： Twenty-eight rats were included in the final analysis, without any loss. In the first trial, between day 2 and 4, escape latency and swimming distance increased significantly in the paradoxical sleep deprivation group compared to the home cage control and tank control groups （P 〈 0.01）; percentage of time in correct quarter and memory scores, however, decreased in the paradoxical sleep deprivation group compared to the home cage control and tank control groups （P 〈 0.01）. The escape latency, swimming distance, percentage of time in correct quarter, and memory scores in the second trial was not significantly different among the three groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Paradoxical sleep deprivation inhibits spatial reference memory, but not working memory.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Go, a traditional Chinese chess-like game, requires many unknown functions of the brain including attention, imaging, problem solving and processing of spatial working memory. To date, it remains uncertai...BACKGROUND： Go, a traditional Chinese chess-like game, requires many unknown functions of the brain including attention, imaging, problem solving and processing of spatial working memory. To date, it remains uncertain whether the intellectual activities required to play Go are related to the frontal lobe. OBJECTIVE： To investigate various patterns of brain region activity while schizophrenic patients and normal subjects engaged in memorizing piece placement in the Chinese game of Go. Spatial working memory was measured in order to validate whether the prefrontal lobe participates in this memory process. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Non-randomized, concurrent control trial was performed at Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, between May and December 2004. PARTICIPANTS： A total of nine Chinese schizophrenic patients with no brain or bodily diseases and not undergoing electroshock treatment, who were in accordance with the DSM-Ⅳ criteria for schizophrenia, as well as thirteen healthy staffs and students with matched age, sex, and education were included. Patients and control subjects had no neurological disorders or mental retardation. In addition, all participants were right-handed. METHODS： The cognitive task for functional magnetic resonance imaging was a block design experiment. Both groups were asked to remember the placement of pieces in the Chinese game of Go on a computer screen. A brain activation map was analyzed in SPM99. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Brain responses were compared with regard to activation region size, volume, and asymmetry indices. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, the reaction time was significantly delayed in schizophrenics performing the working memory task （P 〈 0.05）. When performing the tasks, normal subjects showed significant activation of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe with left dominance; the asymmetry indices were： frontal lobe, ＋0.32; temporal lobe, 0.58; parietal lobe, 0.41 ; and occipital lobe, 0.34. On the other hand, schizophrenics showed right dominance and had a broader activation region of the prefrontal lobe （asymmetry indices： frontal lobe, 0.10; temporal lobe, ＋0.38; parietal lobe, ＋0.24; and occipital lobe, 0.00）. When comparing the normal group subtracted with the schizophrenic group, no significant lateralization was found in the frontal lobes but significant activation was found in the left anterior central gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus and in both sides of the cingulate gyrus. Comparing the schizophrenic group subtracted with the normal group, there was significant right lateralization of the frontal lobe and abnormally activated regions on both sides of the anterior central gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus and the right insular lobe. CONCLUSION： Different brain activation regions are involved in memorizing the placement of pieces in Chinese Go between schizophrenia and healthy subjects. Schizophrenics showed right dominance and border activation range, indicating that the prefrontal cortex plays an important role in memory information processing and resource allocation when remembering piece placement in the game of Go.展开更多
With the prevalent issue of drug abuse in society, research regarding the effects of ketamine, a drug frequently abused by youth in club settings, has increased. Despite its potential for misuse, ketamine has demonstr...With the prevalent issue of drug abuse in society, research regarding the effects of ketamine, a drug frequently abused by youth in club settings, has increased. Despite its potential for misuse, ketamine has demonstrated potential as a fast-acting antidepressant and seems to work well for relieving treatment-resistant depression. However, previous research has shown ketamine use may cause impairments in frontal and medial temporal lobe functioning, leading to problems with memory. While under the influence of ketamine, individuals also display problems with spatial working memory when compared to individuals not dosed with ketamine. The majority of previous research has examined the short-term impact of ketamine use with studies on neurodevelopment largely confined to postnatal exposure. In the present study, the long-term effects on memory caused by repeated ketamine exposure during late adolescence were examined. Rats were used as nonhuman models in order to investigate the cognitive risks resulting from chronic use of ketamine. The results indicated that low-ketamine dosed rats demonstrated significantly better spatial memory recall compared to high-ketamine dosed rats. In addition, high-ketamine dosed rats appeared to struggle more with working memory than the rats in the low-ketamine and control groups. Similarly, both drug groups showed significantly more working memory and reference memory errors than the control group. This indicates that higher doses of ketamine during late adolescence may cause working and spatial memory impairments later in life.展开更多
The purpose of this study is to investigate the contrast between using street names or landmarks to process spatial instructions.The study confirms the special cognitive status of landmarks in the mental representatio...The purpose of this study is to investigate the contrast between using street names or landmarks to process spatial instructions.The study confirms the special cognitive status of landmarks in the mental representation of routes.展开更多
Objective:Only a few studies have investigated the development trends in spatial working memory and attention among a large sample of primary school students over a wide range of ages,while the efficiency of learning ...Objective:Only a few studies have investigated the development trends in spatial working memory and attention among a large sample of primary school students over a wide range of ages,while the efficiency of learning and memory processes is fundamental to academic performance,particularly for children,who are in a key developmental stage when their life opportunities can be altered.We aimed to explore how the spatial working memory and attention of primary school children are affected by grade,academic performance,and sex.Methods:In this cross-sectional observational study,students(144 boys,139 girls,6–13 years old)were recruited from Experimental Primary School Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai,China in 2018.The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Bio-Ethics Board of the Bio-X Institutes,Shanghai Jiao Tong University.Based on a simple Spatial Working Memory and Attention Test on Paired Symbols test,we evaluate 283 participants’working memory and attention ability.Results:Attention and working memory performance were enhanced as a positive function of grade in primary school children,and students who showed better academic achievement also performed better on the working memory task.However,attention and working memory performance were not affected by sex.Conclusion:Attention and working memory performance of primary school students develop with grade and corresponds to Better academic performance.Attention and working memory ability do not differ significantly between boys and girls.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.91632103)the Shanghai Education Commission Research and Innovation Program(No.2019-01-07-00-02-E00037)+2 种基金the Program of Shanghai Subject Chief Scientist(No.17XD1401700)the Higher Education Disciplinary Innovation Programthe“Eastern Scholar”Project。
文摘Working memory is a core cognitive function that supports goal-directed behavior and complex thought.We developed a spatial working memory and attention test on paired symbols(SWAPS)which has been proved to be a useful and valid tool for spatial working memory and attention studies in the fields of cognitive psychology,education,and psychiatry.The repeated administration of working memory capacity tests is common in clinical and research settings.Studies suggest that repeated cognitive tests may improve the performance scores also known as retest effects.The systematic investigation of retest effects in SWAPS is critical for interpreting scientific results,but it is still not fully developed.To address this,we recruited 77 college students aged 18–21 years and used SWAPS comprising 72 trials with different memory loads,learning time,and delay span.We repeated the test once a week for five weeks to investigate the retest effects of SWAPS.There were significant retest effects in the first two tests:the accuracy of the SWAPS tests significantly increased,and then stabilized.These findings provide useful information for researchers to appropriately use or interpret the repeated working memory tests.Further experiments are still needed to clarify the factors that mediate the retest effects,and find out the cognitive mechanism that influences the retest effects.
文摘The relation between evolution of spatial working memory function and of morphology of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex among the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), the slow loris (Nycticebus coucang) and the tree shrew (Tupaia belangen chinensis) were reported in present paper. The results read as follows: In the DR performance with training, the rhesus monkeys and slow lorises could reach a criterion of 90% correct response at 1.1 ± 3.2 seconds, and 3.8±0.4 seconds delay interval, respectively, by 1000 training trails. The tree shrews failed to reach the criterion of 90% correct response even at 0 seconds delay interval by 1000 training trails. If a delay interval was tested in one session (30 trails) only, doing the DR performamce without training, the rhesus monkeys reached a correct of 80% or higher in each session at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 seconds delay, respectively. The percent correct in each session of the slow lorises showed no differences from the rhesus monkeys at 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 seconds delay. However, when the delay interval was increased to 5 seconds, the percent correct of the DR performance declined to 70% or lower in the slow lorises. In the tree shrews the percent correct in each session reached to 70% or lower at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 seconds delay interval, respectively. The morphological studies revealed that the size of the prefrontal cortex increased, and the structure got complex in the course of the evolution in primates. It is suggested that the relation of evolution between the spatial working memory function and anatomy in the prefrontal cortex might be significant among the three species, both the development of morphology and that of the spatial working memory function in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are later than other regions of cerebral cortex in phylogenetic evolution course.
基金supported by the Instrument Developing Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(YZ201540)the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of China(31525010)+4 种基金the General Program of the National Science Foundation of China(31471049)the Key Research Project of Frontier Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(QYZDB-SSW-SMC009)China–Netherlands CAS-NWO Programme:Joint Research Projects,The Future of Brain and Cognition(153D31KYSB20160106)the Key Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission(15JC1400102,16JC1400101)the State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience,China
文摘Effcient behavioral assays are crucial for understanding the neural mechanisms of cognitive functions.Here, we designed a high-throughput automatic training system for spatial cognition(HASS) for free-moving mice.Mice were trained to return to the home arm and remain there during a delay period. Software was designed to enable automatic training in all its phases, including habituation, shaping, and learning. Using this system, we trained mice to successfully perform a spatially delayed nonmatch to sample task, which tested spatial cognition,working memory, and decision making. Performance depended on the delay duration, which is a hallmark of working memory tasks. The HASS enabled a human operator to train more than six mice simultaneously with minimal intervention, therefore greatly enhancing experimental efficiency and minimizing stress to the mice.Combined with the optogenetic method and neurophysiological techniques, the HASS will be useful in deciphering the neural circuitry underlying spatial cognition.
文摘BACKGROUND： Studies have demonstrated that lead exposure can result in cognitive dysfunction and behavior disorders. However, lead exposure impairments vary under different experimental conditions. OBJECTIVE： To detect changes in spatial learning and memory following low-level lead exposure in rats, in Morris water maze test under the same experimental condition used to analyze lead exposure effects on various memory types and learning processes. DESIGN AND SETTING： The experiment was conducted at the Animal Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Science between February 2005 and March 2006. One-way analysis of variance （ANOVA） and behavioral observations were performed. MATERIALS： Sixteen male, healthy, adult, Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into normal con-trol and lead exposure groups （n = 8）. METHODS： Rats in the normal control group were fed distilled water, and those in the lead exposure group were fed 250 mL of 0.05% lead acetate once per day. At day 28, all rats performed the Morris water maze test, consisting of four phases： space navigation, probe test, working memory test, and visual cue test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Place navigation in the Morris water maze was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory, probe trials for spatial reference memory, working memory test for spatial working memory, and visual cue test for non-spatial cognitive function. Perkin-Elmer Model 300 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was utilized to determine blood lead levels in rats. RESULTS： （1） In the working memory test, the time to reach the platform remained unchanged between the control and lead exposure groups （F（1,1） = 0.007, P = 0.935）. A visible decrease in escape latencies was observed in each group （P = 0.028）. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups （F（1,1） = 1.869, P = 0.193）. The working memory probe test demonstrated no change between the two groups in the time spent in the target quadrant during the working memory probe test （F（1,1） = 1.869, P = 0.193）. However, by day 4, differences were observed in the working memory test （P 〈 0.01）. （2） Multivariate repetitive measure and ANOVA in place navigation presented no significant difference between the two groups （F（1,1） = 0.579, P = 0.459）. （3） Spatial probe test demonstrated that the time to reach the platform was significantly different between the two groups （F（1,1） = 4.587, P = 0.048）, and one-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in swimming speed between the two groups （F（1,1） = 1.528, P = 0.237）. （4） In the visual cue test, all rats reached the platform within 15 seconds, with no significant difference （F（1,1） = 0.579, P = 0.459）. （5） During experimentation, all rats increased in body mass, but there was no difference between the two groups （F（1,1） = 0.05, P = 0.943）. At day 28 of 0.05% lead exposure, the blood lead level was 29.72 μg/L in the lead exposure group and 5.86 μg/L in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： The present results revealed low-level lead exposure significantly impaired spatial reference memory and spatial working memory, but had no effect on spatial learning.
基金supported by the Manitoba Health Research Council Foundationthe Canadian Institutes of Health Research Foundationthe Health Science Centre Foundation
文摘Chronic long-term exposure to cuprizone causes severe brain demyelination in mice,which leads to changes in locomotion,working memory and anxiety.These findings suggest the importance of intact myelin for these behaviors.This study aimed to investigate the possible behavioral changes in mice with mild oligodendrocyte/myelin damage that parallels the white matter changes seen in the brains of patients with psychiatric disporders.We used the cuprizonetreated mouse model to test both tissue changes and behavioral functions（locomotor activity,anxiety status,and spatial working memory）.The results showed that mice given cuprizone in their diet for 7 days had no significant myelin breakdown as evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for myelin basic protein,while the number of mature oligodendrocytes was reduced.The number and length of Caspr protein clusters,a structural marker of the node of Ranvier,did not change.The locomotor activity of the cuprizonetreated mice increased whereas their anxiety levels were lower than in normal controls;spatial working memory,however,did not change.These results,for the first time,link emotion-related behavior with mild white matter damage in cuprizone-treated mice.
文摘The current study investigated whether domestic dogs encode local and/or global cues in spatial working memory. Seven dogs were trained to use a source of allocentric information (local and/or global cues) to locate an attractive object they saw move and disappear behind one of the three opaque boxes arrayed in front of them. To do so, after the disappearance of the target object and out of the dogs’ knowledge, all sources of allocentric information were simultaneously shifted to a new spatial position and the dogs were forced to follow a U-shaped pathway leading to the hiding box. Out of the seven dogs that were trained in the detour problem, only three dogs learned to use the cues that were moved from trial to trial. On tests, local (boxes and experimenter) and/or global cues (walls of the room) were systematically and drastically shifted to a new position in the testing chamber. Although they easily succeeded the control trials, the three dogs failed to use a specific source of allocentric information when local and global cues were put in conflict. In discussion, we explore several hypotheses to explain why dogs have difficulties to use allocentric cues to locate a hidden object in a detour problem and why they do not differentiate the local and global cues in this particular experimental setting.
文摘Hippocampus plays a central role in the acquisition and recall of both episodic and spatial memory. Studies have shown that garlic has neuroprotective effects in various capacities and enhancement of different forms of memory. However, the effect of garlic spatial memory and direct effect of garlic extract on the activities of membrane bound enzymes Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase in the hippocampus of rat still remain elusive. Therefore, we studied the effect of ethanolic extract of garlic on spatial working memory using object location memory OLM test and the hippocampal Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities. Sixteen male wistar rats weighted 120 - 150 g were used and divided into two groups of eight rats each. The control and experimental groups were treated 1ml of normal saline and 500 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of garlic respectively orally for three weeks. OLM test was carried out on the two groups. Animals were sacrificed and the brains were removed, and hippocampi were carefully excised and homogenate was obtained. Homogenate was analyzed for Na+/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities. There was significant increase in the exploration time in experimental group when compared with control group (p +/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase activities in experimental group when compared with control group (p +/K+ ATPase and Ca2+ ATPase. Our findings provide potential mechanism and therapeutic target for memory deficit neurological disorders.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30670677
文摘BACKGROUND： Complex learning tasks result in a greater number of paradoxical sleep phases, which can improve memory. The effect of paradoxical sleep deprivation, induced by ＂flower pot＂ technique, on spatial reference memory and working memory require further research. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effect of progressive paradoxical sleep deprivation in rats, subsequent to learning, on memory using the Morris Water Maze. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Controlled observation experiment. The experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University from December 2006 to October 2007. MATERIALS： Twenty-eight, male, Wistar rats, 3-4 months old, were provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Lanzhou University. The Morris Water Maze and behavioral analyses system was purchased from Genheart Company, Beijing, China. METHODS： All animals, according to a random digits table, were randomly divided into paradoxical sleep deprivation, tank control, and home cage control groups. Paradoxical sleep deprivation was induced by the ＂flower pot＂ technique for 72 hours, housing the rats on small platforms over water. Rats in the ＂tank control＂ and ＂home cage control＂ groups were housed either in a tank with large platforms over the water or in normal cages without paradoxical sleep deprivation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Morris Water Maze was employed for task learning and spatial memory testing. Rats in all groups were placed at six random starting points each day for four consecutive days. Each placement was repeated for two trials; the first trial represented reference memory and the second working memory. Rats in the first trial were allowed to locate the submerged platform within 120 seconds. Data, including swimming distance, escape latency, swimming velocity, percentage of time in correct quarter, and memory scores were recorded and analyzed automatically by behavioral analyses systems for Morris Water Maze. RESULTS： Twenty-eight rats were included in the final analysis, without any loss. In the first trial, between day 2 and 4, escape latency and swimming distance increased significantly in the paradoxical sleep deprivation group compared to the home cage control and tank control groups （P 〈 0.01）; percentage of time in correct quarter and memory scores, however, decreased in the paradoxical sleep deprivation group compared to the home cage control and tank control groups （P 〈 0.01）. The escape latency, swimming distance, percentage of time in correct quarter, and memory scores in the second trial was not significantly different among the three groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Paradoxical sleep deprivation inhibits spatial reference memory, but not working memory.
基金Supported by:the National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars,No.60225015the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30100054,30570609
文摘BACKGROUND： Go, a traditional Chinese chess-like game, requires many unknown functions of the brain including attention, imaging, problem solving and processing of spatial working memory. To date, it remains uncertain whether the intellectual activities required to play Go are related to the frontal lobe. OBJECTIVE： To investigate various patterns of brain region activity while schizophrenic patients and normal subjects engaged in memorizing piece placement in the Chinese game of Go. Spatial working memory was measured in order to validate whether the prefrontal lobe participates in this memory process. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Non-randomized, concurrent control trial was performed at Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, between May and December 2004. PARTICIPANTS： A total of nine Chinese schizophrenic patients with no brain or bodily diseases and not undergoing electroshock treatment, who were in accordance with the DSM-Ⅳ criteria for schizophrenia, as well as thirteen healthy staffs and students with matched age, sex, and education were included. Patients and control subjects had no neurological disorders or mental retardation. In addition, all participants were right-handed. METHODS： The cognitive task for functional magnetic resonance imaging was a block design experiment. Both groups were asked to remember the placement of pieces in the Chinese game of Go on a computer screen. A brain activation map was analyzed in SPM99. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Brain responses were compared with regard to activation region size, volume, and asymmetry indices. RESULTS： Compared with the control group, the reaction time was significantly delayed in schizophrenics performing the working memory task （P 〈 0.05）. When performing the tasks, normal subjects showed significant activation of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal lobe with left dominance; the asymmetry indices were： frontal lobe, ＋0.32; temporal lobe, 0.58; parietal lobe, 0.41 ; and occipital lobe, 0.34. On the other hand, schizophrenics showed right dominance and had a broader activation region of the prefrontal lobe （asymmetry indices： frontal lobe, 0.10; temporal lobe, ＋0.38; parietal lobe, ＋0.24; and occipital lobe, 0.00）. When comparing the normal group subtracted with the schizophrenic group, no significant lateralization was found in the frontal lobes but significant activation was found in the left anterior central gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus and in both sides of the cingulate gyrus. Comparing the schizophrenic group subtracted with the normal group, there was significant right lateralization of the frontal lobe and abnormally activated regions on both sides of the anterior central gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus and the right insular lobe. CONCLUSION： Different brain activation regions are involved in memorizing the placement of pieces in Chinese Go between schizophrenia and healthy subjects. Schizophrenics showed right dominance and border activation range, indicating that the prefrontal cortex plays an important role in memory information processing and resource allocation when remembering piece placement in the game of Go.
文摘With the prevalent issue of drug abuse in society, research regarding the effects of ketamine, a drug frequently abused by youth in club settings, has increased. Despite its potential for misuse, ketamine has demonstrated potential as a fast-acting antidepressant and seems to work well for relieving treatment-resistant depression. However, previous research has shown ketamine use may cause impairments in frontal and medial temporal lobe functioning, leading to problems with memory. While under the influence of ketamine, individuals also display problems with spatial working memory when compared to individuals not dosed with ketamine. The majority of previous research has examined the short-term impact of ketamine use with studies on neurodevelopment largely confined to postnatal exposure. In the present study, the long-term effects on memory caused by repeated ketamine exposure during late adolescence were examined. Rats were used as nonhuman models in order to investigate the cognitive risks resulting from chronic use of ketamine. The results indicated that low-ketamine dosed rats demonstrated significantly better spatial memory recall compared to high-ketamine dosed rats. In addition, high-ketamine dosed rats appeared to struggle more with working memory than the rats in the low-ketamine and control groups. Similarly, both drug groups showed significantly more working memory and reference memory errors than the control group. This indicates that higher doses of ketamine during late adolescence may cause working and spatial memory impairments later in life.
文摘The purpose of this study is to investigate the contrast between using street names or landmarks to process spatial instructions.The study confirms the special cognitive status of landmarks in the mental representation of routes.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(No.91632103)Program of Shanghai Subject Chief Scientist(No.17XD1401700)+1 种基金Shanghai Education Commission Research and Innovation Program(No.2019-01-07-00-02-E00037)“111”Program of Higher Education Discipline Innovation and“Eastern Scholar”(Shanghai Municipal Education Commission).
文摘Objective:Only a few studies have investigated the development trends in spatial working memory and attention among a large sample of primary school students over a wide range of ages,while the efficiency of learning and memory processes is fundamental to academic performance,particularly for children,who are in a key developmental stage when their life opportunities can be altered.We aimed to explore how the spatial working memory and attention of primary school children are affected by grade,academic performance,and sex.Methods:In this cross-sectional observational study,students(144 boys,139 girls,6–13 years old)were recruited from Experimental Primary School Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai,China in 2018.The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Bio-Ethics Board of the Bio-X Institutes,Shanghai Jiao Tong University.Based on a simple Spatial Working Memory and Attention Test on Paired Symbols test,we evaluate 283 participants’working memory and attention ability.Results:Attention and working memory performance were enhanced as a positive function of grade in primary school children,and students who showed better academic achievement also performed better on the working memory task.However,attention and working memory performance were not affected by sex.Conclusion:Attention and working memory performance of primary school students develop with grade and corresponds to Better academic performance.Attention and working memory ability do not differ significantly between boys and girls.
