Dissociable Roles for Cortical and Subcortical Structures in Memory Retrieval and Acquisition

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1924-08.2008
• Publication Date: 2008-08-20T19:18:06Z
• Authors: Anna S. Mitchell; Philip G. F. Brow...; Charles R. E. Wilson; Mark G. Baxter; David Gaffan
• Keywords: Fornix; Retrograde amnesia; Anterograde amnesia; Entorhinal cortex; Brain damage

The relationship between anterograde and retrograde amnesia remains unclear. Previous data from both clinical neuropsychology monkey lesion studies suggest that damage to discrete subcortical structures leads a relatively greater degree of than amnesia, whereas regions cortex the opposite pattern impairments. Nevertheless, medial diencephalon in humans is associated with amnesia. In present study, we sought reconcile this by assessing retention as well subsequent relearning new postoperative learning. Rhesus monkeys learned 300 unique scene discriminations preoperatively, was assessed preoperative one-trial retrieval test. Combined bilateral lesions magnocellular mediodorsal thalamus fornix impaired preoperatively acquired information. addition, learning were also impaired. This contrasts effects just one these structures, after which intact cases. Discrete ablations entorhinal but had no effect on previous work our laboratory, results support hypothesis has learning, cortical retention. Furthermore, demonstrate occurs result only if it widespread, leading an extensive disruption functioning. Damage nature may account for dense