Studies of Short-Term Avoidance Memory

Excerpt

For almost a century it has been assumed that short-term memory (STM) is in charge of cognition while long-term memory (LTM) is consolidated over several hours. A major question is whether STM is merely a step toward LTM or a separate entity. This chapter presents experimental evidence showing that several compounds with specific molecular actions given into different memory-relevant areas of the brain after inhibitory avoidance training can effectively block or enhance STM retention without affecting or producing inverse effects on LTM consolidation. The effects of different metabolic inhibitors on working memory (WM) were also studied. In some brain regions WM is affected by receptor blockers that alter either STM or LTM; in other areas it is not affected. We also present behavioral data that further endorse the hypothesis that STM is separated from LTM: (1) STM is not susceptible to extinction while LTM can be readily extinguished and (2) STM retention is not sensitive to a novel experience 1 hour after training while LTM certainly is.