Role of CAMKII in reinforcement learning: a computational model of glutamate and dopamine signaling pathways

Timely release of dopamine at the striatum seems to be important for
reinforcement learning mediated by the basal ganglia. Houk, et al. (1995) pro-
posed a cellular signaling pathway model to characterize the interaction between
dopamine and glutamate pathways that have a role in reinforcement learning (RL).
The model simulation results, using GENESIS / KINETIKIT simulator, point out
that there is not only prolongation of duration as proposed by Houk et al. 1995,
but also an enhancement in the amplitude of autophosphorylation of CaMKII.
Further, the autophosphorylated form of CaMKII may form a basis for the "eli-
gibility trace" condition required in RL. This simulation study is the first of its
kind to support the comprehensive theoretical proposal of Houk, et al. (1995).