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Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Brain Imaging Investigation of the Memory-Enhancing Effect of Emotion
Published on: May 4, 2011
Amygdala oscillations and the consolidation of emotional memories
Denis Paré1, Dawn R. Collins, Joe Guillaume Pelletier
1Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Aidekman Research Center, Rutgers State University, 197 University Ave, 07102, Newark, NJ, USA
Abstract:
The amygdala receives multi-modal sensory inputs and projects to virtually all levels of the central nervous system. Via these widespread projections, the amygdala facilitates consolidation of emotionally arousing memories. How the amygdala promotes synaptic plasticity elsewhere in the brain remains unknown, however. Recent work indicates that amygdala neurons show theta activity during emotional arousal, and various types of oscillations during sleep. These synchronized neuronal events could promote synaptic plasticity by facilitating interactions between neocortical storage sites and temporal lobe structures involved in declarative memory.
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