Between-systems memory interference model: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:20, 16 December 2013

Revision as of 22:20, 16 December 2013

Line 3:

== Between-Systems Memory Interference Model ==

=== Summary ===

The '''Between-Systems Memory Interference Model''' describes the inhibition of non-hippocampal systems of [[memory]] during concurrent hippocampal activity. Specifically, Fraser Sparks, Hugo Lehmann, and Robert Sutherland <ref>{{cite journal|last=Sparks|first=Fraser|coauthors=Lehmann H., Sutherland R.J.|title=Between-systems memory interference during retrieval.|journal=European Journal of Neuroscience|year=2011|issue=34|pages=780780–786|doi=10.1111/j.1460-7869568.2011.07796.x|volume=34}}</ref> found that when the [[hippocampus]] was inactive, non-hippocampal systems located elsewhere in the brain were found to [[consolidate]] memory in its place. However, when the hippocampus was reactivated, [[Engram (neuropsychology)|memory traces]] consolidated by non-hippocampal systems were not recalled, suggesting that the hippocampus interferes with [[long-term memory]] consolidation in other memory-related systems.

=== Procedure ===

The procedure utilised in supporting the between-systems memory interference model was published under the title ''Between-systems memory interference during retrieval''. Their paper explains how using the age-tested [[Fear conditioning|contextual fear conditioning]] paradigm allowed Fraser Sparks, Hugo Lehmann, and Robert Sutherland <ref>{{cite journal|last=Sparks|first=Fraser|coauthors=Lehmann H., Sutherland R.J.|title=Between-systems memory interference during retrieval.|journal=European Journal of Neuroscience|year=2011|issue=36|pages=780-786780–786}}</ref> to further investigate their model. They began by allowing their rat subjects to freely explore the [[Operant conditioning chamber|conditioning chamber]] for three minutes, enabling them to become [[Habituation|habituated]]. Afterwards, five 1 miliAmp foot shocks lasting 2 seconds were administered with 60 seconds in between each shock. Retention of this memory was tested 11 days after the learning trials, where [[Freezing behavior|freezing behaviour]] was measured using [http://www.coulbourn.com/SearchResults.asp?searching=Y&sort=7&search=freezeframe&show=50&page=1 FreezeFrame Video-Based Conditioned Fear System].

Using this paradigm, the rats were [[Bilateral symmetry|bilaterally]] injected with either [[muscimol]] or [[Physiological saline|sterile physiological saline]] depending on if they were in the experimental or control condition respectively. These total hemispheric infusions were administered one hour before the [[Conditioning|conditioning trials]], additionally immediately before the testing trials, allowing 30 minutes total between the end of infusion and behavioural conditioning or testing.