Prefrontal cortex is necessary for long-term social recognition memory in mice.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is known for its role in social cognition and emotional regulation.
• The specific function of the PFC in social recognition memory in mice is not well understood.
• Investigating the PFC's role is key to understanding higher-order social cognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the role of the PFC in short-term and long-term social recognition memory in mice.
• To assess the PFC's involvement in social motivation and anxiety-related behaviors.
• To elucidate the PFC's contribution to complex social behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized C57BL/6J male mice, comparing sham control and PFC-lesioned groups.
• Employed a social recognition test over three consecutive days with repeated trials.
• Conducted three-chamber, light-dark transition, and open field tests to assess social motivation and anxiety.

Main Results:

• PFC-lesioned mice showed impaired long-term social recognition memory, failing to decrease investigation over days.
• Short-term social recognition memory within daily trials remained intact in PFC-lesioned mice.
• PFC lesions did not affect social motivation, anxiety-related behavior, or general activity levels.

Conclusions:

• The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is essential for the consolidation and retrieval of long-term social recognition memory.
• The PFC is not critical for short-term social recognition memory, social motivation, or anxiety.
• These findings highlight the PFC's specific role in higher-order social cognitive functions.