Learning-Induced Receptive Field Plasticity in the Primary Auditory Cortex

Abstract

Primary sensory cortex in the adult is modified by learning. The primary auditory cortex is retuned when a tone is paired with a behaviorally relevant reinforcer. Frequency receptive fields are shifted toward or to the frequency of the signal stimulus, yielding enhanced processing and representation of important frequencies. Receptive field plasticity constitutes “physiological memory” because, like much memory, it is associative, highly specific, rapidly-induced, and retained indefinitely, at least for months. The basal forebrain cholinergic system may be a substrate because its paired activation is sufficient to induce receptive field plasticity in the absence of actual behavioral learning experiences.