Summary: Bartsch et al. (2010)

The hippocampus is an important structure for the processing of place learning tasks and topographical memory. Cells in the cormu ammonis 1 (CA1) sector of the hippocampus in rodents and primates have been shown to play an important part in place learning, specifically with regards to navigation and consolidation of spatial memory. However, it is unknown what role these cells play in the human hippocampus. Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a rare, self-limiting dysfunction of the hippocampus. Using a virtual Morris water maze, Bartsch et al. (2010) investigated 14 patients with TGA (selective and focal lesions in the CA1 sector of the hippocampus) to determine the role of CA1 cells in place learning. All individuals showed a profound impairment in place learning, with lesion size and TGA duration correlated with decreased performance. Bartsch et al. (2010) results indicate that, like rodents and primates, cells in this area of the hippocampus (CA1) play an important in place learning in humans.