An enriched environment is known to promote structural changes in the brain
and to enhance learning and memory performance in rodents [Hebb, D. O. (19
47) Am. Psychol. 2, 306-307]. To better understand the molecular mechanisms
underlying these experience-dependent cognitive changes, we have used high
-density oligonucleotide microarrays to analyze gene expression in the brai
n. Expression of a large number of genes changes in response to enrichment
training, many of which can be linked to neuronal structure, synaptic plast
icity, and transmission. A number of these genes may play important roles i
n modulating learning and memory capacity.