Neuroscience 2004 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 382.6 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | A role for hippocampal neurogenesis in retention of long-term memories: Evidence from computational modelling. |
| Authors: |
Becker, S.*1
; Wojtowicz, J. M.2
1Psychology, McMaster Univ., Hamilton, Canada 2ON, Bldg 34, Rm 312, 1280 Main Street West, L8S 4K1, |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Development - Neurogenesis and Gliogenesis -- Neuronal differentiation |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Cognition and Behavior<br />- Human and Animal Cognition and Behavior<br />-- Cognitive learning and memory systems |
| Session: |
382. Adult Neurogenesis Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Monday, October 25, 2004 9:00 AM-10:00 AM |
| Location: | San Diego Convention Center - Hall A-H, Board # B12 |
| Keywords: | neurogenesis, neural coding, hippocampus, computational model |
The hippocampal region is crucial for encoding complex associations such as unrelated word pairs, associating items with spatiotemporal context, and representing spatial layouts. Neurogenesis has been shown to be important for hippocampal-dependent learning (Shors et al, Nature, 2001). The question addressed here is: what is the role of hippocampal neurogenesis in hippocampal-dependent memory formation? We have developed a computational model of the hippocampal memory circuit that incorporates neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (Becker, submitted); our model predicts that neurogenesis is important for minimizing interference between highly similar events. Here, we consider another role for neurogenesis in long-term memory, namely, in the retention of long-term memories after delays of several weeks. Snyder et al (SFN abstracts 2003) studied long-term retention with and without neurogenesis using irradiation to prevent survival of newly generated neurons. Rats irradiated prior to learning in the Morris water maze displayed normal acquisition but were highly impaired in retention of their spatial knowledge 4 weeks later. Using our computational model, we simulated this phenomenon in a paired associate learning task. Neurogenesis is simulated by the random re-wiring of a subset of the dentate granule cells. Newly generated neurons are more likely to be recruited in encoding new items, thereby protecting older items. During the retention interval, new unrelated items are learned, a potential source of interference. The prevention of neurogenesis in the model results in a much steeper forgetting curve during the retention interval. Thus, the model predicts that neurogenesis is important for generating distinct codes for novel items, thereby protecting older memories from interference.
Supported by A Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Discovery Grant to S.B.
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2004 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. San Diego, CA: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
Copyright © 2004-2026 Society for Neuroscience; all rights reserved. Permission to republish any abstract or part of any abstract in any form must be obtained in writing by SfN office prior to publication.
