Contextual modulation of memory consolidation

Citation
B. Gerber et R. Menzel, Contextual modulation of memory consolidation, LEARN MEM, 7(3), 2000, pp. 151-158
Citations number
41
Categorie Soggetti
Neurosciences & Behavoir
Journal title
LEARNING & MEMORY
ISSN journal
10720502 → ACNP
Volume
7
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
151 - 158
Database
ISI
SICI code
1072-0502(200005/06)7:3<151:CMOMC>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
We investigate olfactory memory consolidation in honeybees. Three experimen ts are reported that include 1024 animals in 28 experimental groups. After one pairing of odorant and sucrose reward, retention is typically nonmonoto nic with a minimum 3 min after conditioning. This corresponds to the "Kamin effect" in vertebrates; the postminimum rise in retention is usually inter preted as reflecting memory consolidation. First, we test for the generalit y of this effect across four different odorants. The postminimum rise in re tention was reproducibly observed for 1-hexanol but not for l-octanol, limo nene, or geraniol. Second, we investigate whether previous learning about t he training context modulates subsequent memory consolidation. On the day b efore training, a reward was applied either upon placement into the future training context for 1 min, halfway during exposure or just before removal from the context. Ln the latter group, the 3-min minimum in retention was e liminated; thus, in that group, forward pairings of context and reward (i.e ., context exposure begins before reward is applied) lead to an associative context memory that can modulate subsequent olfactory memory consolidation . Third, we found no evidence for a modulation of olfactory memory consolid ation by pre-exposure to the odorant.