Behavioral Expression of Fear Memory (2 of 2) (IMAGE)
Caption
This is a schematic diagram illustrating the dynamic of the synaptic connectivity in a neural network recruited during the formation of a new memory. Before learning the neural network presents a connectivity arrangement characterized by a mix of potentiated (thick black lines) and unpotentiated (thin black lines) synapses. During memory encoding, a sparse number of cells (engram cells, red) are recruited giving rise to new connections or activating preexisting ones (dashe d red line). Immediately after encoding the process of memory consolidation enables the stabilization of the new connections (thick red line). The stabilization is characterized by a permanent enhancement of the synaptic strength and is fundamental for mem ory retrieval. Disruption of the consolidation process by intervention such as protein synthesis inhib itors impairs the stabilization potentiation of the new synaptic connections (thin red line) resulting in retrograde amnesia. The synaptic connectivity pr ovides a substrate for memory storage whereas the potentiation of the synapses is required for memory retrieval.
Credit
[Credit: Michele Pignatelli ]
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