A multidisciplinary approach to learning and memory in the crab Neohelice (Chasmagnathus) granulata.

D. TOMSIC; A. ROMANO

Invertebrate Learning and Memory.

Elsevier/Academic Press.

Lugar: Düsseldorf, Germany; Año: 2013; p. 337 - 355

Due to their unique advantages for certain experimental approaches, crustaceans have long been used in neurobiological research. In this chapter we describe a number of important contributions to the field of learning and memory yielded by investigations carried out over more than 20 years in the crab Neohelice (till recently Chasmagnathus) granulata. Several distinct learning paradigms have been implemented in this animal, the most compelling studies being performed in the so called context-signal memory (CSM). Acquired through a single training session, CSM entails a long-lasting modification (>5days) of the escape response to a visual danger stimulus. CSM is determined by an association between two independent memories, a memory of the stimulus or signal memory (SM), and a memory of the training environment, or context memory (CM). Investigations of CSM have been performed using behavioral, ecological, electrophysiological, anatomical, pharmacological, and molecular approaches. Fundamental findings and their significance are discussed here.