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Transient acidosis while retrieving a fear-related memory enhances its lability
Jianyang Du1,2, Margaret P Price1, Rebecca J Taugher3
1Departments of Internal Medicine, Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States.
Elife
|June 27, 2017
Summary
Inhaling carbon dioxide (CO2) during memory recall makes fearful memories more changeable. This technique enhances memory lability, offering a potential strategy to modify debilitating traumatic memories.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Memory Research
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Fearful memories can be debilitating.
- Memory retrieval can make memories labile.
- Methods to enhance memory lability are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if augmenting synaptic signaling during memory retrieval increases memory lability.
- To explore a novel method for modifying aversive memories.
Main Methods:
- Mice inhaled carbon dioxide (CO2) to induce transient acidosis and activate acid-sensing ion channels during memory retrieval.
- Memory lability was assessed after the CO2 exposure.
- Changes in amygdala neuron activation and AMPA receptor trafficking were measured.
Main Results:
- Transient acidosis induced by CO2 inhalation increased the lability of aversive memories.
- Labile memories could be weakened via extinction or strengthened via reconditioning.
- CO2 inhalation enhanced amygdala neuron activation and promoted a shift in AMPA receptor properties.
Conclusions:
- Transient acidosis during memory retrieval enhances memory lability.
- This approach offers a potential strategy for modifying debilitating memories associated with trauma.
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