"Modulation of Place Learning by Ovarian Hormones"
Noah J. Sandstrom, Williams College, Williamstown, MA 01267

Ovarian steroids can powerfully modulate performance on a variety of learning and memory tasks. For example, acute administration of estradiol decreases the number of trials required for ovariectomized rats to reach criterion on a place learning task (e.g., Korol & Kolo, 2002). Experiment 1 examines the time-course over which estradiol affects performance on this task by assessing performance at various intervals following hormone administration. Findings from this study will reveal how quickly following hormone administration the improvements in learning are apparent as well as how long the improvements persist. Experiment 2 examines the modulatory effects of progesterone on estradiol-induced improvements in place learning. Following priming with estradiol (or vehicle), rats will be treated with progesterone (or vehicle) and then tested on the place learning task. In addition to examining the modulatory effects of progesterone, this study will also consider the independent role of progesterone with regard to place learning.

Noah J. Sandstrom, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Bronfman Science Center, Williams College
18 Hoxsey Street
Williamstown, MA 01267
Phone: (413) 597-4107
Fax: (413) 597-2085