Dopaminergic neurons can influence heat-box place learning in Drosophila. (2nd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mishra, Aditi; Cronley, Patrick; Ganesan, Mathangi; Schulz, David J.; Zars, Troy
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurogenetics. Volume 34:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 122
• Publication Date: 2020-01-02
• Subjects: Dopamine -- place learning -- PAM -- heat-box -- valence; Neurogenetics -- Periodicals; 616.80442
• DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2020.1715974
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-7063

Abstract

Abstract: Dopamine provides crucial neuromodulatory functions in several insect and rodent learning and memory paradigms. However, an early study suggested that dopamine may be dispensable for aversive place memory in Drosophila . Here we tested the involvement of particular dopaminergic neurons in place learning and memory. We used the thermogenetic tool Gr28bD to activate protocerebral anterior medial (PAM) cluster and non-PAM dopaminergic neurons in an operant way in heat-box place learning. We show that activation of PAM neurons influences performance during place learning, but not during memory testing. These findings provide a gateway to explore how dopamine influences place learning.