Challenging the view of the cortex in memory: essential role of retrosplenial cortex in memory formation, storage and retrieval

KATCHE C

Huerta Grande - Cordoba

Congreso; XXVIII Congreso de la Sociedad Argentina de Investigación en Neurociencias; 2013

The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) plays a role in a range of cognitive functions, including episodic-like memory. However, its precise involvement in memory processing is unknown. Using microinfusions of antisense oligonucleotides to locally knockdown c-Fos in the anterior part of RSC (aRSC), we found that c-Fos expression is necessary around training, and again 12 h thereafter to maintain for many days a fear-motivated memory. Long-lasting memory storage is regulated by D1 dopamine receptors in aRSC and depends on the interplay between dorsal hippocampus and aRSC. Experiments also show that recently acquired and consolidated fear memory requires macromolecular synthesis in aRSC and that its reversible inactivation impairs recall of recent and remote memories. The present data challenge the generally accepted idea that neocortical areas are slow encoding systems that participate in the retrieval of remote memories.