The role of hippocampal place cells in the development of spatial learning in the rat

Understanding exactly how the hippocampus portion of the brain functions in learning and memory is a goal that still eludes scientists today. This paper attempts to lend some insight on the issue by describing a developmental study conducted using rat pups. The two main types of cells that compose the hippocampus, theta and place cells, are described. The integral role of place cells in the formation of "cognitive maps" is discussed as well as its role in allowing the mature hippocampus to solve problems that require the ability to make configural associations. Three phases of research making up the study of hippocampal place cells are outlined. The first is behavioral testing of rat pups on a four-arm radial maze. The second is the implantation of electrodes in the hippocampus and the development of methods; whereby subsequent electro-physiological measurement of place; cell activity can be taken. The final phase consists of; measuring place cell activity in numerous subjects, compiling the results, and correlating them with the statistical results from phase one. The behavioral results are plotted graphically and discussed in order to illustrate the extent of the learning that occurred on the maze. Some possible implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. This thesis represents the completion of the first and second phases of the research mentioned above.