Flavor recognition memory related activity of the posterior piriform cortex in adult and aged rats

Abstract

The relationship between the piriform cortex and flavor recognition memory was investigated in adult and aged rats. By using c-Fos immunohistochemistry, we assessed the piriform cortex activity induced by flavor familiarity. The results indicated increased activity in the rostral region of the posterior piriform cortex elicited by the most familiar cider vinegar solution after six exposures. Aged rats exhibited overall increased activity in the posterior, but not the anterior piriform cortex, which was not related to flavor familiarity. This suggests that the posterior piriform cortex is related to flavor recognition memory and that aging modifies its activity pattern which might underlie their slower attenuation of flavor neophobia.