Studies of hippocampectomy in the monkey, baboon, and cat

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A technique has been devised which permits 50 to 90% removal of the hippocampus on each side in the monkey, baboon, or cat without producing significant damage to the overlying cortex or to subjacent structures. When hippocampal ablation is carried out in this way, all 3 species show changes in behavior and affective state characterized by docility, hyposexuality, and reduced motor activity. Other than the taming effect, no other elements of the Kluver- Bucy syndrome are evident. The behavioral changes following hippocampectomy are consistent with the concept that this structure is an important part of a facilitating mechanism for affective behavior. A preliminary study of cognitive function in monkeys following hippocampal ablation was made using operant conditioning of lever pressing during reinforcement of low rate schedules. No consistent impairment of acquisition or retention could be demonstrated by this means in these animals. It is suggested that, while the hippocampus may exert a modifying effect upon the process of learning or upon the performance of learned behavior, it is not an essential element in the mechanism subserving the learning process itself.

This publication has 22 references indexed in Scilit: