Learning-induced alterations in prefrontal cortical dendritic morphology

The influences of complex housing, T-maze, and Grice box training on dendritic morphology of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and primary somatosensory (Par 1) were investigated in the rat. Golgi–Cox analyses demonstrated that all learning paradigms produced alterations in PFC connectivity, albeit differently. Furthermore, the effects of experience on dendritic morphology varied by region, hemisphere, and lamina and often resulted in opposing changes within each. For example, complex housing produced a time-dependent decrease in the dendritic fields of layer (L) V neurons in region 3 of the cingulate cortex (Cg3) in the medial PFC (mPFC) neurons and increases in LIII of the dorsal agranular insular (AID) region of the orbitofrontal cortex. In contrast, T-maze training produced increases in Cg3 LV and decreases in AID LIII spine density. Of interest, the influence of experience was not reflected equally between hemispheres. For example, T-maze training produced an increase in Cg3 LV and AID LIII branch order and length in the right hemisphere, and an increase in Cg3 LIII branch order in the left hemisphere. Additionally, correlation analysis of task performance and dendritic morphology indicated an opposing influence of experience within the different laminae of the Cg3. For example, whereas, performance was negatively correlated with Cg3 LV dendritic branch order/length, there was a positive correlation with Cg3 LIII dendrites. Complex housing induced changes in the Par 1were also time -dependent but were only apparent after a prolonged period of exposure. In addition to demonstrating learning-specific modifications in dendritic connectivity within the PFC, the results illustrate varying patterns of change that likely reflect task-dependent requirements on the PFC.