Circuit Mechanisms of Latent Learning in the Dorsal Cortex
1 Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
Animals can learn from past experiences, a phenomenon extensively studied in classical conditioning paradigms and sensory preconditioning. In the latter, latent learning, characterized by associations between stimuli in the absence of explicit reinforcement cues, is assessed through the use of pairs of neutral stimuli. Electrophysiology and lesion studies within the context of sensory preconditioning have underscored the importance of the retrosplenial (RSC) and perirhinal cortices (PhR) in processing neutral associations. However, despite extensive research, the precise circuit mechanisms underlying latent learning remain unresolved. Leveraging technological advancements, such as genetically encoded calcium indicators, we aim to dissect the neural circuits involved in latent learning. Here, we present preliminary results from our ongoing study utilizing a sensory preconditioning paradigm in a virtual reality setup. Our methodology includes a skull-clearing protocol to facilitate wide-field imaging of the dorsal cortex in mice. Additionally, retinotopic mapping has been employed for the functional localization of brain surface regions. Furthermore, preliminary behavioral analyses, including pupil tracking and lick detection, have been conducted. Initial wide-field imaging analyses are underway to identify regions associated with latent learning. These findings lay the groundwork for further investigation into the circuitry underlying neutral associations within the dorsal cortex.