An update on contextual fear memory mechanisms: Transition between Amygdala and Hippocampus

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Nicholas ChaayaLuke R Johnson

Abstract

Context is an ever-present combination of discrete environmental elements capable of influencing many psychological processes. When context is associated with an aversive stimulus, a permanent contextual fear memory is formed. Context is hypothesized to greatly influence the treatability of various fear-based pathologies, in particular, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to understand how contextual fear memories are encoded and impact underlying fear pathology, delineation of the underlying neural circuitry of contextual fear memory consolidation and maintenance is essential. Past understandings of contextual fear suggest that the hippocampus only creates a unitary, or single, representation of context. This representation is sent to the amygdala, which creates the associative contextual fear memory. In contrast, here we review new evidence from the literature showing contextual fear memories to be consolidated and maintained by both amygdala and hippocampus. Based on this evidence, we revise the current model of contextual fear memory consolidation, highlighting a larger role for hippocampus. This new model may better explain the role of the hippocampus in PTSD.

Citations

Jan 30, 2020·Current Protocols in Neuroscience·Hadley C Bergstrom
May 30, 2019·Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·Nicholas ChaayaSelena E Bartlett
Mar 15, 2020·Cognitive, Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·Maria M QuinonesKathi Heffner
May 10, 2020·The European Journal of Neuroscience·Christine Stubbendorff, Carl W Stevenson
Oct 15, 2019·Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·Marziah HakimFatemeh Chehrehasa
Feb 11, 2020·Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·Carolina Macêdo-SouzaThomas E Krahe
Aug 23, 2019·Behavioural Brain Research·Jessica M HooversmithPhilip V Holmes
Jan 23, 2021·Neurobiology of Learning and Memory·Mark E StantonNicholas A Heroux
Nov 18, 2020·Learning & Memory·Charlotte R FlavellJonathan L C Lee
Sep 7, 2019·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·M HausbergerS Henry
Apr 9, 2021·Neurobiology of Learning and Memory·Anastasia OlevskaRick E Bernardi
Jul 12, 2021·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·Paige MarslandTerrence Deak
Jul 21, 2021·Trends in Cognitive Sciences·Sylvia WirthAngela Sirigu

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