Behavioral Neuroscience

Amy Griffin

		Research Interests Recent Publications Research Opportunities in the Griffin Lab   amygriff@psych.udel.edu Office: 212 Wolf Hall (302) 831-2575 (302) 831-3645 -fax Lab: 147 Wolf Hall (302) 831-4895 Website Preferred contact method - email

Research Interests

Neural basis of learning and memory

Research Summary:

The hippocampus has been shown to be crucial for episodic memory, but also plays a larger role in a system of brain structures that allow for memory-guided behavior. Of particular interest is the medial prefrontal cortex, which receives direct projections from hippocampus and is thought to use retrieved memories to construct a plan of action during task performance and to aid in memory consolidation following learning.  In my laboratory, we utilize the technique of in vivo electrophysiology in conjunction with inactivation of discrete brain regions to answer questions about the nature of interplay between key structures known to be involved in learning and memory processes.  Understanding the nature of complex cognitive processes such as learning and memory will have important implications, including the possible treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia.

Recent Publications

Griffin, A.L., Eichenbaum, H., & Hasselmo, M.E. (2007) Spatial representations of CA1 hippocampal neurons are modulated by behavioral context in a hippocampus-dependent memory task. J Neurosci 27: 2416-2423.

Lee, I., Griffin, A.L., Eichenbaum, H., & Hasselmo, M.E. (2006). Gradual translocation of spatial correlates of neuronal firing in the hippocampus towards prospective reward locations. Neuron 51: 639-650.

Asaka, Y., Mauldin, K.N., Griffin, A.L., Seager, M.A., Shurell, E., & Berry, S.D. (2005). Non-pharmacological amelioration of age-related learning deficits: The impact of hippocampal theta-triggering. PNAS 102:13284-8.

Griffin, A.L. and Berry, S.D.  (2004). Inactivation of the anterior cingulate cortex impairs extinction of rabbit jaw movement conditioning and prevents extinction-related inhibition of hippocampal activity. Learn Mem. 11: 604-10.

Griffin, A.L., Asaka Y., Darling, R.D., Berry, S.D. (2004). Theta-contingent trial presentation accelerates learning rate and enhances hippocampal plasticity during trace eyeblink conditioning. Behav Neurosci. 118: 403-11.

Huff, K.D., Asaka, Y., Griffin, A.L., Berg, W.P., Seager, M.A., Berry, S.D.  (2004). Differential mastication kinematics of the rabbit in response to food and water: implications for conditioned movement. Integr Physiol Behav Sci. 39: 16-23.

Asaka, Y., Griffin, A.L., Berry, S.D.  (2002). Reversible septal inactivation disrupts hippocampal slow-wave and unit activity and impairs trace conditioning in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Behav Neurosci. 116: 434-42.

Asaka, Y., Seager, M.A., Griffin, A.L., Berry, S.D.  (2000). Medial septal microinfusion of scopolamine disrupts hippocampal activity and trace jaw movement conditioning. Behav Neurosci. 114: 1068-77.

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