Abstract
Episodic memories (in humans) and event-like memories (in non-human animals) require the hippocampus for some time after acquisition, but at remote points seem to depend more on cortical areas instead. Systems consolidation refers to the process that promotes this reorganization of memory. Various theoretical frameworks accounting for this process have been proposed, but clear evidence favoring one or another of these positions has been lacking. Addressing this issue, a recent study deployed some of the most advanced neurobiological technologies – optogenetics and calcium imaging – and provided high resolution, precise observations regarding brain systems involved in recent and remote contextual fear memories. We critically review these findings within their historical context and conclude that they do not resolve the debate concerning systems consolidation.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 54-59 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Neuroscience Letters |
Volume | 680 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 27 2018 |
Keywords
- Contextual fear conditioning
- Episodic memory
- Hippocampus
- Optogenetics
- Systems consolidation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience