Memory Circuits of the Cortex and Limbic Systems

BDNF upregulation during declarative memory formation in monkey inferior temporal cortex Tokuyama et al

The Basics The inferior temporal cortex stores visual pair association memory. The inferior temporal cortex stores visual pair association memory. Tested the hypothesis that BDNF would be upregulated in IT cortex during formation of visual pair-association memory. Tested the hypothesis that BDNF would be upregulated in IT cortex during formation of visual pair-association memory. Found BDNF was upregulated selectively in area 36 of IT cortex during PA learning, but not in areas involved in earlier stages of visual processing. Found BDNF was upregulated selectively in area 36 of IT cortex during PA learning, but not in areas involved in earlier stages of visual processing. Suggests that BDNF contributes to reorganization of neural circuits for visual long-term memory formation in the primate Suggests that BDNF contributes to reorganization of neural circuits for visual long-term memory formation in the primate

Methods:Three experimental strategies Intra-animal comparison of mRNA expression Intra-animal comparison of mRNA expression A visual memory task as the control vs. a no- task condition A visual memory task as the control vs. a no- task condition Trained the monkeys to first learn a “rule” or “strategy” component of the tasks with training stimulus sets; a test stimulus was then introduced for new learning of declarative components. Trained the monkeys to first learn a “rule” or “strategy” component of the tasks with training stimulus sets; a test stimulus was then introduced for new learning of declarative components.

Increased BDNF and trk-B mRNA expression in cortical and limbic regions following formation of a social recognition memory Kevin D. Board et al Kevin D. Board et al

The Basics Sheep recognition: olfactory evolving to visual Sheep recognition: olfactory evolving to visual Investigate BDNF & trk-B mRNA expression 4.5 hours post partum in olfactory/visual systems Investigate BDNF & trk-B mRNA expression 4.5 hours post partum in olfactory/visual systems