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Encoding and retrieval are differentially processed by the anterior cingulate and prelimbic cortices: a study based
B B Oswald1, S A Maddox, N Tisdale
1Shirley L. Buchanan Neuroscience Laboratory Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209-1639, United States.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|August 18, 2009
Summary
Lesions to the prelimbic cortex (area 32) impaired memory retrieval one week after learning, while anterior cingulate cortex (area 24) lesions impaired reacquisition immediately after learning, particularly with low-arousal conditioning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Memory Research
Background:
- The midline prefrontal cortex (mPFC), encompassing Brodmann's area 32 (prelimbic cortex) and area 24 (anterior cingulate cortex), is implicated in memory retrieval.
- Evidence suggests the mPFC's role in learning and memory may be more pronounced under conditions of low emotional arousal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal and functional roles of prelimbic cortex (area 32) and anterior cingulate cortex (area 24) in memory retrieval and reacquisition.
- To examine how emotional arousal, manipulated via different unconditioned stimuli (US), influences the effects of mPFC lesions on memory.
Main Methods:
- Rabbits underwent trace eyeblink conditioning using either a low-arousal airpuff or a high-arousal eyeshock US.
- Post-training lesions (ibotenic acid or sham) were applied to area 32 or area 24 either immediately or one week after learning.
- Performance was assessed based on conditioned eyeblink responses.
Main Results:
- Lesion-induced deficits were most pronounced when conditioning employed the less aversive airpuff US.
- Area 32 lesions induced deficits one week, but not immediately, after learning, suggesting a role in retrieval.
- Area 24 lesions induced deficits immediately, but not one week, after learning, indicating a role in reacquisition.
Conclusions:
- Area 32 of the mPFC is critical for the retrieval of learned information, not acquisition or storage.
- Area 24 appears to mediate a reacquisition process rather than permanent storage or retrieval during relearning after mPFC damage.
- These dissociable roles of area 32 and area 24 are specific to memory tasks involving low emotional arousal (airpuff US).
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