NEW YORK: Researchers have found a way to manipulate neurons in the brains of mice to strengthen or erase particular memories.
These findings could work toward the development of new methods to enhance pleasant memories for people suffering from dementia, or even reverse post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a recent study, researchers tested the underlying mechanism of memory using a fear-based model in mice, and found they could enhance or wipe out memories. These findings could work toward the development of new methods to treat dementia, or even reverse post-traumatic stress disorder.
The researchers manipulated acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that acts as a mechanism for signalling involved in memory.
They found that when they increased acetylcholine release in the amygdala as a traumatic memory formed, this memory was enhanced, lasting more than twice as long as normal.
When acetylcholine signalling was decreased during a traumatic experience, the researchers were able to wipe out the memory.
They say this essentially created ‘fearless mice.’
Scientists generally believe that emotional memories are tied to the amygdala, though the mechanisms which control memory are still a mystery in many ways.
In the recent work, researchers tested the underlying mechanism of memory using a fear-based model in mice.
The team manipulated acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain that acts as a mechanism for signalling involved in memory.
This neurotransmitter is delivered to the amygdala by cholinergic neurons, which reside in the base of the brain and have been thought to strengthen emotional memories when increased in the amygdala.
To stimulate specific populations of cholinergic neurons, the researchers used light to control the cells in living tissue, a method known as opto-genetics.
‘Memories of emotionally charged experiences are particularly strong, whether positive or negative experiences, and the goal of our research is to determine the mechanisms underlying the strengthening of memory,’ said Lorna Role, PhD…