Memory consolidation within the central amygdala is not necessary for modulation of cerebellar learning

Learning & Memory
Adam B SteinmetzJohn H Freeman

Abstract

Amygdala lesions impair, but do not prevent, acquisition of cerebellum-dependent eyeblink conditioning suggesting that the amygdala modulates cerebellar learning. Two-factor theories of eyeblink conditioning posit that a fast-developing memory within the amygdala facilitates slower-developing memory within the cerebellum. The current study tested this hypothesis by impairing memory consolidation within the amygdala with inhibition of protein synthesis, transcription, and NMDA receptors in rats. Rats given infusions of anisomycin or DRB into the central amygdala (CeA) immediately after each eyeblink conditioning session were severely impaired in contextual and cued fear conditioning, but were completely unimpaired in eyeblink conditioning. Rats given the NMDA antagonist ifenprodil into the CeA before each eyeblink conditioning session also showed impaired fear conditioning, but no deficit in eyeblink conditioning. The results indicate that memory formation within the CeA is not necessary for its modulation of cerebellar learning mechanisms. The CeA may modulate cerebellar learning and retention through an attentional mechanism that develops within the training sessions.

References

Jun 1, 1996·Experimental Brain Research·G Hesslow, M Ivarsson
Apr 2, 2004·The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience·Taekwan Lee, Jeansok J Kim
Feb 22, 2005·Brain Research·Matthew R BlankenshipJoseph E Steinmetz
Dec 1, 2006·The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience·Ann E WilenskyJoseph E LeDoux
Aug 23, 2007·Neuroreport·Fredrik BengtssonGermund Hesslow
Dec 25, 2009·Journal of Neurophysiology·Pär SvenssonGermund Hesslow
Sep 14, 2010·Neurobiology of Learning and Memory·Aryeh H Taub, Matti Mintz
Nov 12, 2010·Nature·Stephane CiocchiAndreas Lüthi
Jan 11, 2012·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·Caitlin A Orsini, Stephen Maren
Nov 26, 2013·Developmental Psychobiology·Ka H Ng, John H Freeman
Feb 19, 2016·The Journal of Neuroscience : the Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience·Sean J FarleyJohn H Freeman

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Aug 5, 2020·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Johannes Kornhuber, Iulia Zoicas
Nov 30, 2018·Neuropharmacology·Daniel Osorio-GómezFederico Bermúdez-Rattoni
May 18, 2020·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·Derick H Lindquist
Mar 15, 2018·Neurobiology of Learning and Memory·Sean J FarleyJohn H Freeman

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Amygdala: Sensory Processes

Amygdalae, nuclei clusters located in the temporal lobe of the brain, play a role in memory, emotional responses, and decision-making. Here is the latest research on sensory processes in the amygdala.

Amygdala and Midbrain Dopamine

The midbrain dopamine system is widely studied for its involvement in emotional and motivational behavior. Some of these neurons receive information from the amygdala and project throughout the cortex. When the circuit and transmission of dopamine is disrupted symptoms may present. Here is the latest research on the amygdala and midbrain dopamine.