Effects of environmental enrichment on gene expression in the brain.

Rampon, C; Jiang, C H; Dong, H; Tang, Y P; Lockhart, D J; Schultz, P G; Tsien, J Z; Hu, Y · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2000

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

An enriched environment is known to promote structural changes in the brain and to enhance learning and memory performance in rodents [Hebb, D. O. (1947) Am. Psychol. 2, 306-307]. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these experience-dependent cognitive changes, we have used high-density oligonucleotide microarrays to analyze gene expression in the brain. Expression of a large number of genes changes in response to enrichment training, many of which can be linked to neuronal structure, synaptic plasticity, and transmission. A number of these genes may play important roles in modulating learning and memory capacity.

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