Olfactory perceptual learning requires action of noradrenaline in the olfactory bulb: comparison with olfactory associative learning

Abstract

Noradrenaline contributes to olfactory-guided behaviors but its role in olfactory learning during adulthood is poorly documented. We investigated its implication in olfactory associative and perceptual learning using local infusion of mixed α1-β adrenergic receptor antagonist (labetalol) in the adult mouse olfactory bulb. We reported that associative learning, as opposed to perceptual learning, was not affected by labetalol infusions in the olfactory bulb. Accordingly, this treatment during associative learning did not affect the survival of bulbar adult-born neurons. Altogether, our results suggest that the noradrenergic system plays different parts in specific olfactory learning tasks and their neurogenic correlates.