Reversible Plasticity of Fear Memory in the Amygdala
Author Information
Author(s): Hong Ingie, Kim Jihye, Lee Junuk, Park Sungmo, Song Beomjong, Kim Jeongyeon, An Bobae, Park Kyungjoon, Lee Hyun Woo, Lee Seungbok, Kim Hyun, Park Sang-Hyun, Eom Khee Dong, Lee Sukwon, Choi Sukwoo
Primary Institution: Seoul National University
Hypothesis
Can memory-encoding synaptic circuits retain reversible plasticity even after memory consolidation?
Conclusion
The study found that fear memory-encoding synaptic circuits in the amygdala can be reversibly modified even after memory consolidation.
Supporting Evidence
- Fear conditioning-induced synaptic potentiation at T-LA synapses was functionally reversed by extinction.
- The study demonstrated that synaptic efficacy in T-LA circuits can be dynamically modified.
- Initial conditioning brought T-LA synaptic circuits near their modification ceiling.
- Extinction reversed conditioning-induced changes in synaptic efficacy.
Takeaway
Even after we think we've learned something for good, our brain can still change and adapt that memory if we practice or forget it.
Methodology
The study used auditory fear conditioning and assessed synaptic changes in the lateral amygdala through behavioral and electrophysiological experiments.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in behavioral assessments as observers were not blind to experimental groups.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific synaptic circuit and may not generalize to all types of memory or synaptic plasticity.
Participant Demographics
Male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 4-5 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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