Source Paper
Memory Reconsolidation and Extinction Have Distinct Temporal and Biochemical Signatures
Akinobu Suzuki, Sheena A. Josselyn, Paul W. Frankland, Shoichi Masushige, Alcino J. Silva et al.
Journal of Neuroscience • 2004
Fear Conditioning
Objective: To induce and measure memory formation and reconsolidation in response to fear-associated stimuli, and to examine the temporal dynamics and biochemical signatures of memory reconsolidation versus extinction
Protocol Steps
Fear Conditioning Paradigm
Subjects undergo fear conditioning to establish memory formation in response to fear-associated stimuli
Note: The study examines how memory strength and age affect reconsolidation processes
View evidence from paper
“Memory retrieval is not a passive phenomenon. Instead, it triggers a number of processes that either reinforce or alter stored information.”
Memory Retrieval and Reconsolidation Assessment
Memory retrieval is triggered to activate reconsolidation cascade that requires protein synthesis
Note: Temporal dynamics of reconsolidation depend on strength and age of memory
View evidence from paper
“Retrieval is thought to activate a second memory consolidation cascade (reconsolidation) that requires protein synthesis.”
Pharmacological Manipulation
Antagonism of cannabinoid receptor 1 or L-type voltage-gated calcium channels is applied to test differential effects on extinction versus reconsolidation
Note: These manipulations block extinction but not reconsolidation, demonstrating distinct biochemical signatures
View evidence from paper
“Pharmacological antagonism of either cannabinoid receptor 1 or L-type voltage-gated calcium channels blocks extinction but not reconsolidation.”