Session
Session 1
Board Number
30
The effects of perineuronal nets in the orbitofrontal cortex on decision making during adolescent development
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between the proliferation of perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) throughout adolescence and if there is a correlation with decision making. A method for counting the density and size of PNNs was developed. Three groups of adolescent rats were tested at ages P30, P50, and P70 using reversal tasks in order to model decision making. Initial results show a significant increase in PNN size and density during adolescent development as well as increased decision making capabilities.