Premium
Sequential learning during contextual fear conditioning guides the rate of systems consolidation: Implications for consolidation of multiple memory traces
Author(s) -
Pedraza Lizeth K.,
Sierra Rodrigo O.,
Crestani Ana P.,
Quillfeldt Jorge A.,
de Oliveira Alvares Lucas
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
hippocampus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.767
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1098-1063
pISSN - 1050-9631
DOI - 10.1002/hipo.22708
Subject(s) - memory consolidation , consolidation (business) , neuroscience , novelty , hippocampal formation , psychology , recall , fear conditioning , sequence learning , cognitive psychology , hippocampus , computer science , amygdala , social psychology , business , accounting
Systems consolidation has been described as a time‐dependent reorganization process involving the neocortical and hippocampal networks underlying memory storage and retrieval. Previous studies of our lab were able to demonstrate that systems consolidation is a dynamic process, rather than a merely passive, time‐dependent phenomenon. Here, we studied the influence of sequential learning in contextual fear conditioning (CFC) with different training intensities in the time‐course of hippocampal dependency and contextual specificity. We found that sequential learning with high‐intensity shocks during CFC induces generalization of the first learning (context A) and maintains contextual specificity of the second learning (context B) 15 days after acquisition. Moreover, subsequent experiences reorganize brain structures involved in retrieval, accelerating the involvement of cortical structures and diminishing the hippocampal participation. Exposure to original context before novelty seems to only induce context specificity in hippocampal‐dependent memories. We propose that systems consolidation could be considered a potential biological mechanism for reducing possible interferences between similar memory traces. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.