Changes in synaptic efficacy of dentate granule cells during operant behavior in rats

► We propose another neural mechanism not related to LTP for learning and memory. ► We examine changes in efficacy of dentate granule cells during operant task in rats. ► The granule cells receive excitatory and inhibitory inputs in separate regions. ► Outputs from the cells to CA3 are significantly reduced in the acquisition process. ► This system is acting as a selective gate allowing acquisition of operant behavior.