Memory reconsolidation and extinction have distinct temporal and biochemical signatures.
Memory retrieval is not a passive phenomenon. Instead, it triggers a number of processes that either reinforce or alter stored information. Retrieval is thought to activate a second memory consolidation cascade (reconsolidation) that requires protein synthesis. Here, we show that the temporal dynamics of memory reconsolidation are dependent on the strength and age of the memory, such that younger and weaker memories are more easily reconsolidated than older and stronger memories. We also report that reconsolidation and extinction, two opposing processes triggered by memory retrieval, have distinct biochemical signatures: pharmacological antagonism of either cannabinoid receptor 1 or L-type voltage-gated calcium channels blocks extinction but not reconsolidation. These studies demonstrate the dynamic nature of memory processing after retrieval and represent a first step toward a molecular dissection of underlying mechanisms.
Suzuki
Akinobu
A
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan.
Josselyn
Sheena A
SA
Frankland
Paul W
PW
Masushige
Shoichi
S
Silva
Alcino J
AJ
Kida
Satoshi
S
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000187:drug effects; D003214:Conditioning, Classical; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D005108:Extinction, Psychological / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005239:Fear / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011720:Pyrazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000077285:Rimonabant; D013997:Time Factors
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D018691:Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; D010880:Piperidines; D011500:Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; D011720:Pyrazoles; D043884:Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1; D000077285:Rimonabant