Olfactory bulb glomerular NMDA receptors mediate olfactory nerve potentiation and odor preference learning in the neonate rat

Dynamic developmental changes in neurotransmitters supporting infant attachment learning

Infant survival relies on rapid identification, remembering and behavioral responsiveness to caregivers' sensory cues. While neural circuits supporting infant attachment learning have largely remained elusive in children, use of invasive techniques has uncovered some of its features in rodents. During a 10-day sensitive period from birth, newborn rodents associate maternal odors with maternal pleasant or noxious thermo-tactile stimulation, which gives rise to a preference and approach behavior towards these odors, and blockade of avoidance learning. Here we review the neural circuitry supporting this neonatal odor learning, unique compared to adults, focusing specifically on the early roles of neurotransmitters such as glutamate, GABA (Gamma-AminoButyric Acid), serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the olfactory bulb, the anterior piriform cortex and amygdala. The review highlights the importance of deepening our knowledge of age-specific infant brain neurotransmitters and behavioral functioning that can be translated to improve the well-being of children during typical development and aid in treatment during atypical development in childhood clinical practice, and the care during rearing of domestic animals.

Connectivity and dynamics in the olfactory bulb

Dendrodendritic interactions between excitatory mitral cells and inhibitory granule cells in the olfactory bulb create a dense interaction network, reorganizing sensory representations of odors and, consequently, perception. Large-scale computational models are needed for revealing how the collective behavior of this network emerges from its global architecture. We propose an approach where we summarize anatomical information through dendritic geometry and density distributions which we use to calculate the connection probability between mitral and granule cells, while capturing activity patterns of each cell type in the neural dynamical systems theory of Izhikevich. In this way, we generate an efficient, anatomically and physiologically realistic large-scale model of the olfactory bulb network. Our model reproduces known connectivity between sister vs. non-sister mitral cells; measured patterns of lateral inhibition; and theta, beta, and gamma oscillations. The model in turn predicts testable relationships between network structure and several functional properties, including lateral inhibition, odor pattern decorrelation, and LFP oscillation frequency. We use the model to explore the influence of cortex on the olfactory bulb, demonstrating possible mechanisms by which cortical feedback to mitral cells or granule cells can influence bulbar activity, as well as how neurogenesis can improve bulbar decorrelation without requiring cell death. Our methodology provides a tractable tool for other researchers.

Olfactory Bulb Excitotoxicity as a Gap-Filling Mechanism Underlying the Link Between Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Secondary Neuronal Degeneration and Parkinson's Disease-Like Pathology

There is increasing preclinical and clinical data supporting a potential association between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Parkinson's disease (PD). It has been suggested that the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity underlying TBI secondary neuronal degeneration (SND) might be associated with further development of PD. Interestingly, an accumulation of extracellular glutamate and olfactory dysfunction are both sharing pathological conditions in TBI and PD. The possible involvement of glutamate excitotoxicity in olfactory dysfunction has been recently described, however, the role of olfactory bulbs (OB) glutamate excitotoxicity as a possible mechanism involved in the association between TBI and PD-related neurodegeneration has not been investigated yet. We examined the number of nigral dopaminergic neurons (TH +), nigral α-synuclein expression, the striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) expression, and motor performance after bilateral OB N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxic lesions in rodents. Bulbar NMDA administration induced a decrease in the number of correct choices in the discrimination tests one week after lesions (p < 0.01) and a significant decrease in the number of nigral DAergic neurons (p < 0.01) associated with an increase in α-synuclein expression (p < 0.01). No significant striatal changes in DAT expression or motor alterations were observed. Our results show an association between TBI-induced SND and PD-related neurodegeneration suggesting that the OB excitotoxicity occurring in TBI SND may be a filling gap mechanism underlying the link between TBI and PD-like pathology.

Locus Coeruleus Activation Patterns Differentially Modulate Odor Discrimination Learning and Odor Valence in Rats

The locus coeruleus (LC) produces phasic and tonic firing patterns that are theorized to have distinct functional consequences. However, how different firing modes affect learning and valence encoding of sensory information are unknown. Here, we show bilateral optogenetic activation of rat LC neurons using 10-Hz phasic trains of either 300 ms or 10 s accelerated acquisition of a similar odor discrimination. Similar odor discrimination learning was impaired by noradrenergic blockade in the piriform cortex (PC). However, 10-Hz phasic light-mediated learning facilitation was prevented by a dopaminergic antagonist in the PC, or by ventral tegmental area (VTA) silencing with lidocaine, suggesting a LC–VTA–PC dopamine circuitry involvement. Ten-hertz tonic stimulation did not alter odor discrimination acquisition, and was ineffective in activating VTA DA neurons. For valence encoding, tonic stimulation at 25 Hz induced conditioned odor aversion, whereas 10-Hz phasic stimulations produced an odor preference. Both conditionings were prevented by noradrenergic blockade in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Cholera Toxin B retro-labeling showed larger engagement of nucleus accumbens-projecting neurons in the BLA with 10-Hz phasic activation, and larger engagement of central amygdala projecting cells with 25-Hz tonic light. These outcomes argue that the LC activation patterns differentially influence both target networks and behavior.

In vivo odorant input induces spike timing-dependent plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in developing zebrafish olfactory bulb

Early odorant experience and neural activity are essential for refining developing neural connections. Although neural activity-induced synaptic plasticity is one of the most important cellular mechanisms underlying the refinement of neural circuits, whether and how natural odorant experience induces long-term plasticity in the olfactory bulb remains unknown. In vivo perforated whole-cell recording from mitral cells (MCs) in larval zebrafish showed that odorant experience induced persistent modification of developing olfactory bulb circuits via spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). Repetitive odorant stimuli paired with postsynaptic spiking in a critical time window (pre-post, positive timing) resulted in persistent enhancement of glutamatergic inputs from olfactory sensory neurons, but long-term depression within the opposite time window (post-pre, negative timing). Furthermore, spike-timing-dependent potentiation (tLTP) in STDP induced by repetitive odorant stimulation had similar cellular processes to those of electrical stimulation-induced tLTP. Finally, odorant input induced STDP required the activation of postsynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Thus, the NMDAR is likely to be a postsynaptic coincidence detector responsible for the sensory experience-dependent refinement of developing connections.

Learning-induced mRNA alterations in olfactory bulb mitral cells in neonatal rats

In the olfactory bulb, a cAMP/PKA/CREB-dependent form of learning occurs in the first week of life that provides a unique mammalian model for defining the epigenetic role of this evolutionarily ancient plasticity cascade. Odor preference learning in the week-old rat pup is rapidly induced by a 10-min pairing of odor and stroking. Memory is demonstrable at 24 h, but not 48 h, posttraining. Using this paradigm, pups that showed peppermint preference 30 min posttraining were sacrificed 20 min later for laser microdissection of odor-encoding mitral cells. Controls were given odor only. Microarray analysis revealed that 13 nonprotein-coding mRNAs linked to mRNA translation and splicing and 11 protein-coding mRNAs linked to transcription differed with odor preference training. MicroRNA23b, a translation inhibitor of multiple plasticity-related mRNAs, was down-regulated. Protein-coding transcription was up-regulated for Sec23b, Clic2, Rpp14, Dcbld1, Magee2, Mstn, Fam229b, RGD1566265, and Mgst2. Gng12 and Srcg1 mRNAs were down-regulated. Increases in Sec23b, Clic2, and Dcbld1 proteins were confirmed in mitral cells in situ at the same time point following training. The protein-coding changes are consistent with extracellular matrix remodeling and ryanodine receptor involvement in odor preference learning. A role for CREB and AP1 as triggers of memory-related mRNA regulation is supported. The small number of gene changes identified in the mitral cell input/output link for 24 h memory will facilitate investigation of the nature, and reversibility, of changes supporting temporally restricted long-term memory.

Desloratadine Ameliorates Olfactory Disorder and Suppresses AMPA Receptor GluA1 Expression in Allergic Rhinitis Rat

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammation which causes olfactory dysfunction. Antihistamines have been widely used to treat AR while few studies have investigated the effect of antihistamines on improving the sense of smell. In addition, the underlying mechanisms are not well elucidated. We established the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis rat model and administrated desloratadine to AR rats. The AR symptoms, serum level of OVA-specific IgE and IL-17, and expression of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in nasal mucosa were measured. The olfactory dysfunction was monitored by buried food test and the expression of GluR1 was measured. Desloratadine treatment alleviated AR symptoms, decreased serum level of OVA-specific IgE and IL-17 in AR rats. Desloratadine decreased IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 expression in nasal mucosa of AR rats. Desloratadine ameliorated olfactory dysfunction in AR rats and decreased GluR1 expression in AR rats. Desloratadine treatment alleviated AR symptoms and ameliorated olfactory dysfunction in AR rats. The expression of AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 in olfactory bulb was associated with olfactory disorder.

Intranasal pregnenolone increases acetylcholine in frontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala-Preferentially in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the injected nostril

This study determined the effects of intranasal pregnenolone (IN-PREG) on acetylcholine (ACh) levels in selected areas of the rat brain, using in vivo microdialysis. Previous studies showed that PREG rapidly reaches the rodent brain after intranasal administration and that direct infusion of PREG and PREG-S into the basal forebrain modulates ACh release in frontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. In the present study, we investigated the effects of IN-PREG on the cholinergic system in the rat brain. In the first experiment, IN-PREG (5.6 and 11.2 mg/ml) or vehicle was applied bilaterally, and we hypothesized that IN-PREG would increase ACh levels in amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal cortex, relative to baseline and vehicle. Dialysate was collected for 100 min, based on pilot data of duration of effect. Bilateral IN-PREG (5.6 and 11.2 mg/ml) increased frontal cortex and hippocampal ACh relative to both baseline and vehicle. Moreover, 11.2 mg/ml PREG increased ACh in the amygdala relative to baseline, the lower dose, and vehicle. Therefore, in the second experiment, IN-PREG (11.2 mg/ml) was applied only into one nostril, with vehicle applied into the other nostril, in order to determine whether ACh is predominantly increased in the ipsilateral relative to the contralateral amygdala. Unilateral application of IN-PREG increased ACh in the ipsilateral amygdala, whereas no effect was observed on the contralateral side, suggesting that PREG was transported from the nostrils to the brain via the olfactory epithelial pathway, but not by circulation. The present data provide additional information on IN-PREG action in the cholinergic system of frontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. This may be relevant for therapeutic IN application of PREG in neurogenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Revisiting metaplasticity: The roles of calcineurin and histone deacetylation in unlearning odor preference memory in rat pups

Previous work has shown that 24 h duration odor preference learning, induced by one-trial training, generates a down-regulation of the GluN1 receptor in anterior piriform cortex at 3 h, and results in metaplastic unlearning if a second training trial is given at 3 h. The GluN1 receptor upregulates at 24 h so 24 h spaced training is highly effective in extending memory duration. The present study replicates the piriform cortex unlearning result in the olfactory bulb circuit and further studies the relationship between the initial training strength and its associated metaplastic effect. Intrabulbar infusions that block calcineurin or inhibit histone deacetylation normally produce extended days-long memory. If given during training, they are not associated with GluN1 downregulation at 3 h and do not recruit an unlearning process at that time. The two memory strengthening protocols do not appear to interact, but are also not synergistic. These outcomes argue that it is critical to understand the metaplastic effects of training in order to optimize training protocols in the service of either memory strengthening or of memory weakening.

Learning-Induced Metaplasticity? Associative Training for Early Odor Preference Learning Down-Regulates Synapse-Specific NMDA Receptors via mGluR and Calcineurin Activation

Rat pups readily form a 24-h associative odor preference after a single trial of odor paired with intermittent stroking. Recent evidence shows that this training trial, which normally increases AMPA receptor responses in the anterior piriform cortex both 3 and 24 h following training, induces a down-regulation of NMDA receptors 3 h later followed by NMDA receptor up-regulation at 24 h. When retrained with the same odor at 3 h, rat pups unlearn the original odor preference. Unlearning can be prevented by blocking NMDA receptors during retraining. Here, the mechanisms that initiate NMDA receptor down-regulation are assessed. Blocking mGluR receptors or calcineurin during training prevents down-regulation of NMDA receptors 3 h following training. Blocking NMDA receptors during training does not affect NMDA receptor down-regulation. Thus, down-regulation can be engaged separately from associative learning. When unlearning occurs, AMPA and NMDA receptor levels at 24 h are reset to control levels. Calcineurin blockade during retraining prevents unlearning consistent with the role of NMDA receptor down-regulation. The relationship of these events to the metaplasticity and plasticity mechanisms of long-term depression and depotentiation is discussed. We suggest a possible functional role of NMDA receptor down-regulation in offline stabilization of learned odor representations.

The Role of L-type Calcium Channels in Olfactory Learning and Its Modulation by Norepinephrine

L type calcium channels (LTCCs) are prevalent in different systems and hold immense importance for maintaining/performing selective functions. In the nervous system, CaV_1.2 and CaV_1.3 are emerging as critical modulators of neuronal functions. Although the general role of these calcium channels in modulating synaptic plasticity and memory has been explored, their role in olfactory learning is not well understood. In this review article we first discuss the role of LTCCs in olfactory learning especially focusing on early odor preference learning in neonate rodents, presenting evidence that while NMDARs initiate stimulus-specific learning, LTCCs promote protein-synthesis dependent long-term memory (LTM). Norepinephrine (NE) release from the locus coeruleus (LC) is essential for early olfactory learning, thus noradrenergic modulation of LTCC function and its implication in olfactory learning is discussed here. We then address the differential roles of LTCCs in adult learning and learning in aged animals.

Elevated lead levels from e-waste exposure are linked to decreased olfactory memory in children

Lead (Pb) is a developmental neurotoxicant and can cause abnormal development of the nervous system in children. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Pb exposure on child olfactory memory by correlating the blood Pb levels of children in Guiyu with olfactory memory tests. We recruited 61 preschool children, 4- to 7-years of age, from Guiyu and 57 children from Haojiang. The mean blood Pb level of Guiyu children was 9.40 μg/dL, significantly higher than the 5.04 μg/dL mean blood Pb level of Haojiang children. In addition, approximately 23% of Guiyu children had blood Pb levels exceeding 10.00 μg/dL. The correlation analysis showed that blood Pb levels in children highly correlated with e-waste contact (r_s = 0.393). Moreover, the mean concentration of serum BDNF in Guiyu children (35.91 ng/ml) was higher than for Haojiang (28.10 ng/ml) and was positively correlated with blood Pb levels. Both item and source olfactory memory tests at 15 min, 5 h and 24 h after odor exposure showed that scores were lower in Guiyu children indicative of reduced olfactory memory in Guiyu children. Olfactory memory tests scores negatively correlated with blood Pb and serum BDNF levels, but were positively associated with parental education levels. At the same time, scores of both tests on children in the high blood Pb level group (blood Pb levels > 5.00 μg/dL) were lower than those in the low blood Pb level group (blood Pb levels ≤ 5.00 μg/dL), implying that Pb exposure decreases olfactory memory in children. Our findings suggest that Pb exposure in e-waste recycling and dismantling areas could result in an increase in serum BDNF level and a decrease in child olfactory memory, in addition, BDNF might be involved in olfactory memory impairment.

Olfactory function in an excitotoxic model for secondary neuronal degeneration: Role of dopaminergic interneurons

Secondary neuronal degeneration (SND) occurring in Traumatic brain injury (TBI) consists in downstream destructive events affecting cells that were not or only marginally affected by the initial wound, further increasing the effects of the primary injury. Glutamate excitotoxicity is hypothesized to play an important role in SND. TBI is a common cause of olfactory dysfunction that may be spontaneous and partially recovered. The role of the glutamate excitotoxicity in the TBI-induced olfactory dysfunction is still unknown. We investigated the effects of excitotoxicity induced by bilateral N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) OB administration in the olfactory function, OB volumes, and subventricular zone (SVZ) and OB neurogenesis in rats. NMDA OB administration induced a decrease in the number of correct choices in the olfactory discrimination tests one week after lesions (p<0.01), and a spontaneous recovery of the olfactory deficit two weeks after lesions (p<0.05). A lack of correlation between OB volumes and olfactory function was observed. An increase in SVZ neurogenesis (Ki67+ cells, PSANCAM+ cells (p<0.01) associated with an increase in OB glomerular dopaminergic immunostaining (p<0.05) were related to olfactory function recovery. The present results show that changes in OB volumes cannot explain the recovery of the olfactory function and suggest a relevant role for dopaminergic OB interneurons in the pathophysiology of recovery of loss of smell in TBI.

Systemic Sympathoexcitation Was Associated with Paraventricular Hypothalamic Phosphorylation of Synaptic CaMKIIα and MAPK/ErK

Systemic administration of adrenergic agonist (Isoproterenol; ISOP) is known to facilitate cardiovascular changes associated with heart failure through an upregulation of cardiac toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Furthermore, previous studies have shown that cardiac tissue-specific deletion of TLR4 protects the heart against such damage. Since the autonomic regulation of systemic cardiovascular function originates from pre-autonomic sympathetic centers in the brain, it is unclear how a systemically driven sympathetic change may affect the pre-autonomic paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei (PVN) TLR4 expression. Here, we examined how change in PVN TLR4 was associated with alterations in the neurochemical cytoarchitecture of the PVN in systemic adrenergic activation. After 48 h of intraperitoneal 150 mg/kg ISOP treatment, there was a change in PVN CaMKIIα and MAPK/ErK expression, and an increase in TLR4 in expression. This was seen as an increase in p-MAPK/ErK, and a decrease in synaptic CaMKIIα expression in the PVN (p < 0.01) of ISOP treated mice. Furthermore, there was an upregulation of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT 2; p < 0.01) and a decreased expression of GABA in the PVN of Isoproterenol (ISOP) treated WT mice (p < 0.01). However, after a PVN-specific knockdown of TLR4, the effect of systemic administration of ISOP was attenuated, as indicated by a decrease in p-MAPK/ErK (p < 0.01) and upregulation of CaMKIIα (p < 0.05). Additionally, loss of inhibitory function was averted while VGLUT2 expression decreased when compared with the ISOP treated wild type mice and the control. Taken together, the outcome of this study showed that systemic adrenergic activation may alter the expression, and phosphorylation of preautonomic MAPK/ErK and CaMKIIα downstream of TLR4. As such, by outlining the roles of these kinases in synaptic function, we have identified the significance of neural TLR4 in the progression, and attenuation of synaptic changes in the pre-autonomic sympathetic centers.

β-Adrenoceptor activation enhances L-type calcium channel currents in anterior piriform cortex pyramidal cells of neonatal mice: implication for odor learning

Early odor preference learning occurs in one-week-old rodents when a novel odor is paired with a tactile stimulation mimicking maternal care. β-Adrenoceptors and L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) are critically involved in this learning. However, whether β-adrenoceptors interact directly with LTCCs in aPC pyramidal cells is unknown. Here we show that pyramidal cells expressed significant LTCC currents that declined with age. β-Adrenoceptor activation via isoproterenol age-dependently enhanced LTCC currents. Nifedipine-sensitive, isoproterenol enhancement of calcium currents was only observed in post-natal day 7–10 mice. APC β-adrenoceptor activation induced early odor preference learning was blocked by nifedipine coinfusion.

CaMKII mediates stimulus specificity in early odor preference learning in rats

After naturalistic odor preference training, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) was rapidly phosphorylated in the olfactory bulb, specifically in the odor encoding regions of the glomerular layer and external plexiform layer. Intrabulbar CaMKII antagonist experiments revealed that CaMKII supports short- and long-term preference memory formation. With bulbar PKA activation as the unconditioned stimulus odor preferences could be induced despite CaMKII blockade, but now odor specificity was lost, with odor preference generalizing to an untrained odor. Odor-specific learning was associated with increased membrane-associated AMPA receptors, while nonspecific odor preference was not. Thus CaMKII activation provides a tag to confer stimulus specificity as well as supporting natural odor preference learning.

Norepinephrine Modulates Pyramidal Cell Synaptic Properties in the Anterior Piriform Cortex of Mice: Age-Dependent Effects of β-adrenoceptors

Early odor preference learning in rodents occurs within a sensitive period [≤postnatal day (P)10–12], during which pups show a heightened ability to form an odor preference when a novel odor is paired with a tactile stimulation (e.g., stroking). Norepinephrine (NE) release from the locus coeruleus during stroking mediates this learning. However, in older pups, stroking loses its ability to induce learning. The cellular and circuitry mechanisms underpinning the sensitive period for odor preference learning is not well understood. We first established the sensitive period learning model in mice – odor paired with stroking induced odor preference in P8 but not P14 mice. This learning was dependent on NE-β-adrenoceptors as it was prevented by propranolol injection prior to training. We then tested whether there are developmental changes in pyramidal cell excitability and NE responsiveness in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) in mouse pups. Although significant differences of pyramidal cell intrinsic properties were found in two age groups (P8–11 and P14+), NE at two concentrations (0.1 and 10 μM) did not alter intrinsic properties in either group. In contrast, in P8–11 pups, NE at 0.1 μM presynaptically decreased miniature IPSC and increased miniature EPSC frequencies. These effects were reversed with a higher dose of NE (10 μM), suggesting involvement of different adrenoceptor subtypes. In P14+ pups, NE at higher doses (1 and 10 μM) acted both pre- and postsynaptically to promote inhibition. These results suggest that enhanced synaptic excitation and reduced inhibition by NE in the aPC network may underlie the sensitive period.

Expression of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A (NR3A) in the olfactory system and its regulatory role on olfaction in the adult mouse

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the olfactory system and its N-methyl-D-aspartate-(NMDA) receptor subunits [GluN1 (NR1), GluN2A (NR2A), and GluN2B (NR2B)] are expressed at synapses in the olfactory bulb and olfactory epithelium. Thus, glutamatergic neurons and NMDA receptors play key roles in olfaction. GluN3A (NR3A) is a unique inhibitory subunit in the NMDA receptor complex; however, the expression and functional role of GluN3A in the olfactory bulb and epithelium remain unclear. The present study examined the expression patterns of GluN3A in the olfactory bulb and epithelium and explored its functional role in the olfactory system. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that GluN3A is abundantly expressed in different cellular layers of the olfactory bulb and epithelium of the adult wild type (WT) mice. In littermate GluN3A knockout (GluN3A(-/-); KO) mice, the expression of olfactory marker protein normally found in mature olfactory sensory neurons was significantly reduced in the olfactory bulb and epithelium. A butyl alcohol stimulus increased immediate-early gene c-Fos expression in the olfactory system of WT mice, while this response was absent in GluN3A KO mice. The level of phosphorylated Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II was significantly lower in GluN3A KO mice compared to WT mice. In buried food finding test, GluN3A mice took significantly longer time to find food compared to WT mice. Consistently, impaired odor distinguishing ability was seen in GluN3A KO mice. These findings suggest that GluN3A, expressed in the adult olfactory system, plays a significant regulatory role in olfactory development and functional activity.

Visualizing the engram: learning stabilizes odor representations in the olfactory network

The nature of memory is a central issue in neuroscience. How does our representation of the world change with learning and experience? Here we use the transcription of Arc mRNA, which permits probing the neural representations of temporally separated events, to address this in a well characterized odor learning model. Rat pups readily associate odor with maternal care. In pups, the lateralized olfactory networks are independent, permitting separate training and within-subject control. We use multiday training to create an enduring memory of peppermint odor. Training stabilized rewarded, but not nonrewarded, odor representations in both mitral cells and associated granule cells of the olfactory bulb and in the pyramidal cells of the anterior piriform cortex. An enlarged core of stable, likely highly active neurons represent rewarded odor at both stages of the olfactory network. Odor representations in anterior piriform cortex were sparser than typical in adult rat and did not enlarge with learning. This sparser representation of odor is congruent with the maturation of lateral olfactory tract input in rat pups. Cortical representations elsewhere have been shown to be highly variable in electrophysiological experiments, suggesting brains operate normally using dynamic and network-modulated representations. The olfactory cortical representations here are consistent with the generalized associative model of sparse variable cortical representation, as normal responses to repeated odors were highly variable (∼70% of the cells change as indexed by Arc). Learning and memory modified rewarded odor ensembles to increase stability in a core representational component.

Learning modulation of odor representations: new findings from Arc-indexed networks

We first review our understanding of odor representations in rodent olfactory bulb (OB) and anterior piriform cortex (APC). We then consider learning-induced representation changes. Finally we describe the perspective on network representations gained from examining Arc-indexed odor networks of awake rats. Arc-indexed networks are sparse and distributed, consistent with current views. However Arc provides representations of repeated odors. Arc-indexed repeated odor representations are quite variable. Sparse representations are assumed to be compact and reliable memory codes. Arc suggests this is not necessarily the case. The variability seen is consistent with electrophysiology in awake animals and may reflect top-down cortical modulation of context. Arc-indexing shows that distinct odors share larger than predicted neuron pools. These may be low-threshold neuronal subsets. Learning’s effect on Arc-indexed representations is to increase the stable or overlapping component of rewarded odor representations. This component can decrease for similar odors when their discrimination is rewarded. The learning effects seen are supported by electrophysiology, but mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

A lateralized odor learning model in neonatal rats for dissecting neural circuitry underpinning memory formation

Rat pups during a critical postnatal period (≤ 10 days) readily form a preference for an odor that is associated with stimuli mimicking maternal care. Such a preference memory can last from hours, to days, even life-long, depending on training parameters. Early odor preference learning provides us with a model in which the critical changes for a natural form of learning occur in the olfactory circuitry. An additional feature that makes it a powerful tool for the analysis of memory processes is that early odor preference learning can be lateralized via single naris occlusion within the critical period. This is due to the lack of mature anterior commissural connections of the olfactory hemispheres at this early age. This work outlines behavioral protocols for lateralized odor learning using nose plugs. Acute, reversible naris occlusion minimizes tissue and neuronal damages associated with long-term occlusion and more aggressive methods such as cauterization. The lateralized odor learning model permits within-animal comparison, therefore greatly reducing variance compared to between-animal designs. This method has been used successfully to probe the circuit changes in the olfactory system produced by training. Future directions include exploring molecular underpinnings of odor memory using this lateralized learning model; and correlating physiological change with memory strength and durations.

Properties and mechanisms of olfactory learning and memory

Memories are dynamic physical phenomena with psychometric forms as well as characteristic timescales. Most of our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying the neurophysiology of memory, however, derives from one-trial learning paradigms that, while powerful, do not fully embody the gradual, representational, and statistical aspects of cumulative learning. The early olfactory system—particularly olfactory bulb—comprises a reasonably well-understood and experimentally accessible neuronal network with intrinsic plasticity that underlies both one-trial (adult aversive, neonatal) and cumulative (adult appetitive) odor learning. These olfactory circuits employ many of the same molecular and structural mechanisms of memory as, for example, hippocampal circuits following inhibitory avoidance conditioning, but the temporal sequences of post-conditioning molecular events are likely to differ owing to the need to incorporate new information from ongoing learning events into the evolving memory trace. Moreover, the shapes of acquired odor representations, and their gradual transformation over the course of cumulative learning, also can be directly measured, adding an additional representational dimension to the traditional metrics of memory strength and persistence. In this review, we describe some established molecular and structural mechanisms of memory with a focus on the timecourses of post-conditioning molecular processes. We describe the properties of odor learning intrinsic to the olfactory bulb and review the utility of the olfactory system of adult rodents as a memory system in which to study the cellular mechanisms of cumulative learning.

Unlearning: NMDA receptor-mediated metaplasticity in the anterior piriform cortex following early odor preference training in rats

Here we demonstrate metaplastic effect of a change in NMDA receptor (NMDAR) number in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) in rat induced by a 10 min pairing of peppermint odor + stroking, which significantly modifies later learning and memory. Using isolated synaptoneurosomes, we found NR1 receptor downregulation 3 h after training and upregulation at 24 h. Consistent with the NR1 pattern, the NMDAR-mediated EPSP was smaller at 3 h and larger at 24 h. Subunit composition was unchanged. Whereas LTP was reduced at both times by training, LTD was facilitated only at 3 h. Behaviorally, pups, given a pairing of peppermint + stroking 3 h after an initial peppermint + stroking training, lost the normally acquired peppermint preference 24 h later. To probe the pathway specificity of this unlearning effect, pups were trained first with peppermint and then, at 3 h, given a second training with peppermint or vanillin. Pups given peppermint training at both times lost the learned peppermint preference. Pups given vanillin retraining at 3 h had normal peppermint preference. Downregulating NR1 with siRNA prevented odor preference learning. Finally, the NMDAR antagonist MK-801 blocked the LTD facilitation seen 3 h after training, and giving MK-801 before the second peppermint training trial eliminated the loss of peppermint odor preference. A training-associated reduction in NMDARs facilitates LTD 3 h later; training at the time of LTD facilitation reverses an LTP-dependent odor preference. Experience-dependent, pathway-specific metaplastic effects in a cortical structure have broad implications for the optimal spacing of learning experiences.

Visualizing olfactory learning functional imaging of experience-induced olfactory bulb changes

The anatomical organization of sensory neuron input allows odor information to be transformed into odorant-specific spatial maps of mitral/tufted cell glomerular activity. In other sensory systems, neuronal representations of sensory stimuli can be reorganized or enhanced following learning or experience. Similarly, several studies have demonstrated both structural and physiological experience-induced changes throughout the olfactory system. As experience-induced changes within this circuit likely serve as an initial site for odor memory formation, the olfactory bulb is an ideal site for optical imaging studies of olfactory learning, as they allow for the visualization of experience-induced changes in the glomerular circuit following learning and how these changes impact of odor representations with the bulb. Presently, optical imaging techniques have been used to visualize experience-induced changes in glomerular odor representations in a variety of paradigms in short-term habituation, chronic odor exposure, and olfactory associative conditioning.

Mechanisms underlying early odor preference learning in rats

Early odor preference training in rat pups produces behavioral preferences that last from hours to lifetimes. Here, we discuss the molecular and circuitry changes we have observed in the olfactory bulb (OB) and in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) following odor training. For normal preference learning, both structures are necessary, but learned behavior can be initiated by initiating local circuit change in either structure. Our evidence relates dynamic molecular and circuit changes to memory duration and storage localization. Results using this developmental model are consistent with biological memory theories implicating N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and β-adrenoceptors, and their associated cascades, in memory induction and consolidation. Finally, our examination of the odor preference model reveals a primary role for increases in α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor synaptic strength, and in network strength, in the creation and maintenance of preference memory in both olfactory structures.

Cell layers and neuropil: contrast-enhanced MRI of mouse brain in vivo

Contrast-enhanced T₁- and T₂-weighted MRI at 9.4 T and in-plane resolutions of 25 and 30 µm has been demonstrated to differentiate between neural tissues in mouse brain in vivo, including granule cell layers, principal cell layers, general neuropil, specialized neuropil and white matter. In T₁-weighted MRI of the olfactory bulb, hippocampus and cerebellum, contrast obtained by the intracranial administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) reflects the extra- and intracellular spaces of gray matter in agreement with histological data. General neuropil areas are highlighted, whereas other tissues present with lower signal intensities. The induced contrast is similar to that in plain T₂-weighted MRI, but offers a 16-30-fold higher contrast-to-noise ratio. Systemic administration of manganese chloride increases the signal-to-noise ratio in T₁-weighted MRI to a significantly greater extent in principal cell layers and specialized neuropil than in granule cell layers, whereas gadolinium-enhanced MRI indicates no larger intracellular spaces in these tissues. Granule cell layers are enhanced no more than general neuropil by manganese, whereas gadolinium-enhanced MRI indicates significantly larger intracellular spaces in the cell layers. These discrepancies suggest that the signal increase after manganese administration reflects cellular activity which is disproportionate to the intracellular space. As a result, principal cell layers and specialized neuropil become highlighted, whereas granule cell layers, general neuropil and white matter present with lower signal intensities.

Lateralized odor preference training in rat pups reveals an enhanced network response in anterior piriform cortex to olfactory input that parallels extended memory

The present study examines synaptic plasticity in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) using ex vivo slices from rat pups given lateralized odor preference training. In the early odor preference learning model, a brief 10 min training session yields 24 h memory, while four daily sessions yield 48 h memory. Odor preference memory can be lateralized through naris occlusion as the anterior commissure is not yet functional. AMPA receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses in the aPC to lateral olfactory tract input, shown to be enhanced at 24 h, are no longer enhanced 48 h after a single training session. Following four spaced lateralized trials, the AMPA receptor-mediated fEPSP is enhanced in the trained aPC at 48 h. Calcium imaging of aPC pyramidal cells within 48 h revealed decreased firing thresholds in the pyramidal cell network. Thus multiday odor preference training induced increased odor input responsiveness in previously weakly activated aPC cells. These results support the hypothesis that increased synaptic strength in olfactory input networks mediates odor preference memory. The increase in aPC network activation parallels behavioral memory.

A role for the anterior piriform cortex in early odor preference learning: evidence for multiple olfactory learning structures in the rat pup

cFos activation in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) occurs in early odor preference learning in rat pups (Roth and Sullivan 2005). Here we provide evidence that the pairing of odor as a conditioned stimulus and β-adrenergic activation in the aPC as an unconditioned stimulus generates early odor preference learning. β-Adrenergic blockade in the aPC prevents normal preference learning. Enhancement of aPC cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in trained hemispheres is consistent with a role for this cascade in early odor preference learning in the aPC. In vitro experiments suggested theta-burst-mediated long-term potentiation (LTP) at the lateral olfactory tract (LOT) to aPC synapse depends on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and can be significantly enhanced by β-adrenoceptor activation, which causes increased glutamate release from LOT synapses during LTP induction. NMDA receptors in aPC are also shown to be critical for the acquisition, but not expression, of odor preference learning, as would be predicted if they mediate initial β-adrenoceptor-promoted aPC plasticity. Ex vivo experiments 3 and 24 h after odor preference training reveal an enhanced LOT-aPC field excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). At 3 h both presynaptic and postsynaptic potentiations support EPSP enhancement while at 24 h only postsynaptic potentiation is seen. LOT-LTP in aPC is excluded by odor preference training. Taken together with earlier work on the role of the olfactory bulb in early odor preference learning, these outcomes suggest early odor preference learning is normally supported by and requires multiple plastic changes at least at two levels of olfactory circuitry.

Olfactory bulb α2-adrenoceptor activation promotes rat pup odor-preference learning via a cAMP-independent mechanism

In this study, three lines of evidence suggest a role for α(2)-adrenoreceptors in rat pup odor-preference learning: olfactory bulb infusions of the α(2)-antagonist, yohimbine, prevents learning; the α(2)-agonist, clonidine, paired with odor, induces learning; and subthreshold clonidine paired with subthreshold β-adrenoceptor activation also recruits learning. Increased mitral cell layer pCREB occurs with clonidine-infusion, but cAMP is not increased. Similar results using a GABAa-antagonist suggest that disinhibition may support clonidine-induced learning. We suggest that norepinephrine can act through multiple bulbar adrenoceptor subtypes to induce odor learning and that cAMP-dependent, as well as cAMP-independent, signals may act as unconditioned stimuli.

Age-dependent adrenergic actions in the main olfactory bulb that could underlie an olfactory-sensitive period

Many sensory systems are endowed with mechanisms of neural plasticity that are restricted to a sensitive period in the young developing animal. In this study, we performed experiments in slices of the main olfactory bulb (OB) from rats to examine possible age-dependent cellular mechanisms of plasticity in the olfactory system. We focused on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE), shown to be important in different forms of olfactory learning, examining whether two specific cellular effects of NE previously observed in rats less than P14 extended to older animals. These included an acute reduction in GABAergic synaptic transmission from granule cells (GCs) onto output mitral cells (MCs) and an enhancement in gamma frequency (30-70 Hz) oscillations that persists long after removal of NE. We found that NE failed to reduce GC-to-MC transmission or enhance gamma oscillations in older rats at P18-23. The loss of NE actions on both phenomena appeared to reflect an age-dependent loss of function of α(2)-adrenergic receptors. In addition, we found that NE induced an age-dependent enhancement of transient excitation in MCs, providing a mechanism to link the acute decrease in GC-to-MC inhibition to the long-term increase in gamma oscillations through increases in intracellular calcium. The age-dependent cellular mechanisms that we describe could underlie an olfactory-sensitive period in newborn rodents.

Interaction of NMDA receptors and L-type calcium channels during early odor preference learning in rats

Early odor preference learning in rats provides a simple model for studying learning and memory. Learning results in an enhanced output from mitral cells, which carry odor information from the olfactory bulb to the olfactory cortex. Mitral cell NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are critically involved in plasticity at the olfactory nerve to mitral cell synapse during odor learning. Here we provide evidence that L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) provide an additional and necessary source of calcium for learning induction. LTCCs are thought to act downstream of NMDARs to bridge synaptic activation and the transcription of the plasticity-related proteins necessary for 24-h learning and memory. Using immunohistochemistry, we have demonstrated that LTCCs are present in the mitral cell and are primarily located on mitral cell proximal dendrites in neonate rats. Behavioral experiments demonstrate that inhibiting the function of LTCCs via intrabulbar infusion of nimidopine successfully blocks learning induced by pairing isoproterenol infusion with odor, while activation of LTCCs via an intrabulbar infusion of BayK-8644 rescues isoproterenol-induced learning from a D-APV block. Interestingly, the infusion of BayK-8644 paired with odor is by itself not sufficient to induce learning. Synaptoneurosome Western blot and immunohistochemistry measurement of synapsin I phosphorylation following BayK-8644 infusion suggest LTCCs are involved in synaptic release. Finally, odor preference can be induced by gabazine disinhibition of mitral cells, and NMDAR opening is sufficient for the gabazine-induced learning. These results provide the first evidence that NMDARs and LTCCs interact to permit calcium-dependent mitral cell plasticity during early odor preference learning.