Work

Olfactory Jump Reflex Habituation Indrosophilaand Effects of Classical Conditioning Mutations

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: Habituation is a nonassociative learning mechanism, in which an initial response toward repeated stimuli gradually wanes. This is amongst the simplest and most widespread forms of behavioral plasticity. So far, neither the underlying molecular mechanisms nor the precise neural networks of habituation are well understood. We have developed a novel paradigm to quantify habituation of the olfactory jump reflex in Drosophila. We present data demonstrating several behavioral properties of this phenomenon, generally observed in other species. We also show that the dunce and rutabaga memory mutants behave abnormally in this assay, suggesting that this assay might be used in behavioral screens for new mutants with defects in this simpler form of behavioral plasticity.

Source: Journal of Neurogenetics

DOI: 10.1080/01677060701247508

Authors: Zoltan Asztalos*, Zoltan Asztalos*, Neeraj Arora, Tim Tully

Institution: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: G1068970214, Adf1 transcription in behaviorial & synaptic plasticity