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 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=23936