Hippocampal substrate of classical conditioning

Results of a series of studies from our laboratory are reviewed which demonstrate that in simple associative conditioning paradigms there is a very early and marked increase in hippocampal neuron activity that precedes and predicts the development of behavioral learning, both over the trials of training and in terms of the actual amplitude-time course of the appropriate conditioned behavioral response being learned. Current approaches to the study of the possible behavioral functions of the hippocampus are examined, and current theories of hippocampal function are evaluated in the context of our experimental results.