X-Message-Number: 23936
Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 14:19:20 +1000
From: Simon Carter <>

Subject: Independent Cellular Processes for Hippocampal Memory Consolidation and
Reconsolidation

A 'New Scientist' list I subscribe to mentions an interesting forthcoming paper
in 'Science':

> IN BRIEF/UPFRONT
> WIPE AWAY BAD MEMORIES
> IT MIGHT be possible to develop drugs that allow doctors to tamper
> with our memories. The method could be used to treat drug addiction,
> phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder.
>
> Long-term memories were once thought unalterable. But recent studies
> suggest that a memory trace is "reconsolidated" each time it is
> recalled. These controversial results suggest the trace is rewritten
> afresh in our memory each time we recall it, and so is open to
> manipulation.
>
> Now a team of psychologists at the University of Cambridge have
> confirmed that reconsolidation happens. They also showed that - in
> rats, at least reconsolidation of a recalled memory is a different
> biochemical process to consolidation of a new memory (Science, DOI:
> 10.1126/science.1095760).
>
> The findings add weight to the idea that false memories can form.
> But the real excitement, says researcher Jonathan Lee, is the
> potential to wipe "bad" memories without affecting others. He thinks
> that by giving patients drugs that block the reconsolidation pathway
> it may be possible to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias
> and the cravings that often lead drug addicts to relapse.
>
> James Randerson

Its published online but unfortunately I can only access the abstract and
supporting material - the paper proper is only available to AAAS members until
print publication. FYI here is the text of the abstract:

Published online 8 April 2004
Submitted on January 20, 2004
Accepted on March 3, 2004

Independent Cellular Processes for Hippocampal Memory Consolidation and
Reconsolidation

Jonathan L. C. Lee 1, Barry J. Everitt 1, Kerrie L. Thomas 2*

1 Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing
Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK.

2 Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing
Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK; Present address: Cardiff School of Biosciences,
Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3US, UK.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Kerrie L. Thomas , E-mail: 

The idea that new memories undergo a time-dependent consolidation process after
acquisition has received considerable experimental support. More controversial
has been the demonstration that established memories, once recalled, become
labile and sensitive to disruption, requiring "reconsolidation" to become
permanent. By infusing antisense oligodeoxynucleotides into the hippocampus we
show that consolidation and reconsolidation are doubly dissociable component
processes of memory. Consolidation involves brain-derived neurotrophic factor
(BDNF) but not Zif268, whereas reconsolidation recruits Zif268 but not BDNF.
These experimental findings confirm a requirement for BDNF specifically in
memory consolidation, and also resolves the role of Zif268 in brain plasticity,
learning and memory.

Long life,

Simon

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