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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
19:32
Contextual and Cued Fear Conditioning Test Using a Video Analyzing System in Mice
Published on: March 1, 2014
52.9K
A functional circuit for the retrieval of remote cued fear memory
Travis P Todd1, Matthew Y Jiang1, Nicole E DeAngeli1
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.
Behavioral Neuroscience
|June 5, 2018
Summary
The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) and secondary auditory cortex form a circuit crucial for recalling remote auditory fear memories. This brain region pair is essential for retrieving long-term fear, but not recent fear memories.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is vital for retrieving remote fear memories associated with auditory cues.
- The RSC's involvement in memory retrieval is time-dependent, being necessary for remote but not recent memories.
- The secondary auditory cortex also plays a role in remote auditory fear memory retrieval and projects to the RSC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the broader cortical circuit involved in retrieving remotely acquired auditory fear memories.
- To investigate the functional relationship between the RSC and secondary auditory cortex in fear memory recall.
Main Methods:
- Functional disconnection between the RSC and secondary auditory cortex was induced.
- The retrieval of remote auditory fear memories was assessed after complete and partial disconnections.
Main Results:
- Complete functional disconnection between the RSC and secondary auditory cortex significantly impaired fear expression to a remote auditory cue.
- Partial disconnection resulted in a less pronounced impairment compared to complete disconnection.
Conclusions:
- The RSC and secondary auditory cortex form a functional circuit essential for the retrieval of remotely acquired auditory fear memories.
- This study elucidates a specific neural circuit underlying long-term fear memory recall.
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