Neurobehavioral Plasticity Learning, Development, and Response to Brain Insults

This book describes a unique combination of research programs based on a striking variety of hypotheses and procedures directed toward understanding the sources and consequences of neurobehavioral plasticity. This remarkable attribute of the nervous system -- to be pliable and capable of being shaped or formed by natural or artificial sources toward adaptation or maladaptation -- is considered in terms of the neurochemical forces and neuroanatomical structure that has been found to be pivotal for this function. The impetus for this volume was a symposium held to honor Robert L. Isaacson for his scientific and pedagogical achievements as well as his contributions to behavioral neuroscience. Corresponding to his three major research interests, the book is divided into three sections as follows: * the first explores the relationship between the limbic system and behavior, with an emphasis on learning and memory; * the second considers -- through a wide range of approaches -- issues of plasticity in behavior and brain; and * the third deals with neural and chemical determinants of normal and abnormal behavior. This volume is not only a fitting tribute to Isaacson, but also an unusual collection of new evidence, procedures, and theories destined to have significant influence on behavioral neuroscience.

Contents: Preface. F.A. King, C.J. Yarbrough, Yerkes Primate Research Center: A Historical Perspective. Part I: Limbic System and Behavior. L.E. Jarrard, T.L. Davidson, The Hippocampus and Complex, Nonspatial Discrimination: Is Learning Still "Not Possible?" N.A. Schmajuk, H.T. Blair, Time, Space, and the Hippocampus. D.S. Olton, Repairing the Damaged Septohippocampal System. L.W. Means, Working Memory for Water-Escape Loci in Rodents. J.J. Chrobak, A.L. Vi, G. Buzsáki, Septal Regulation of the Hippocampal-Entorhinal Network: Memory Formation and Failure. A. Poplawsky, The Effects of Gangliosides or Nimodipine on Promoting Behavioral Recovery in Rats With Septal Damage. D.P. Kimble, J.P. Vicedomini, The Septohippocampal Connection: Some Behavioral and Anatomical Relationships. Part II: Plasticity in Behavior and Brain. M.G. Packard, C.L. Williams, L. Cahill, J.L. McGaugh, The Anatomy of a Memory Modulatory System: From Periphery to Brain. T.L. Petit, Structure and Plasticity of the Hebbian Synapse: The Cascading Events for Memory Storage. F.H. Gage, G.R. Chalmers, K.L. Eagle, M.H. Tuszynski, M.D. Kawaja, Functional Recovery Following Damage to the Adult Rat Septohippocampal System. M.L. Woodruff, R.H. Baisden, Variables Influencing Behavior After Transplants of Fetal Hippocampus. G.M.J. Ramakers, I.J.A. Urban, P.N.E. de Graan, W.H. Gispen, Hebbian Plasticity in the Hippocampus: Involvement of Protein Phosphorylation and Protein Kinase C. J.E. Springer, F.M. Sessler, B.J. Gwag, Neuronal Activity Regulates Nerve Growth Factor mRNA Expression in the Adult Rat Hippocampal Formation. B. Bohus, G.A. Cottrell, C. Nyakas, H.J.A. Beldhuis, P.G.M. Luiten, Stress, Stress Hormones, Kindling, and Neural Plasticity. Part III: Neural and Chemical Determinants of Normal and Abnormal Behavior. J.H. Hannigan, Behavioral Plasticity After Teratogenic Alcohol Exposure as Recovery of Function. S.A. McDougall, C.A. Crawford, A.J. Nonneman, Age-Related Differences in Dopamine-Mediated Behaviors: Effects of Irreversible Antagonism. C. Van Hartesveldt, Development of Dopamine Systems and Behavior. R.W. Doty, Brainstem Influences on Forebrain Processes, Including Memory. D. de Wied, ACTH Neuropeptides, Learning and Creativity. K.H. Pribram, The Enigma of Reinforcement. J.P. Ryan, Wandering in Alzheimer's Disease: Clinical and Neurobiological Perspectives. K.F. Jensen, Evaluating the Structural Integrity of the Nervous System for Risk Assessment.