Neural circuit for enhancing memory retrieval

2018 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K06989
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Nomura Hiroshi 北海道大学, 薬学研究院, 講師 (10549603)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2019-03-31
• Keywords: 記憶 / 脳

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Forgotten memories may occasionally be recollected spontaneously. Even after the memories fade over time, the forgotten memories may persist latently in the brain. However, clinically applicable method that promotes the retrieval of forgotten long-term memories has not yet been established.
In the current study, we examined whether activation of brain histamine system promote the retrieval of a forgotten long-term object memory in mice. We employed the novel object recognition task, in which the test session mice were presented with a novel object and a familiar object that was presented during the training session. One week after training, the mice were unable to discriminate the novel object from the familiar one. However, activation of brain histamine system before the test session enhanced discrimination score. The results indicate that activation of brain histamine system promotes retrieval of forgotten object memories.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

脳内ヒスタミン神経系の活性化によって記憶の想起が改善するという本研究の成果は、脳内ヒスタミンの働きやヒスタミン活性化薬の作用だけでなく、柔軟に働く記憶のメカニズムの解明に貢献する。さらにアルツハイマー病などの認知機能障害の治療薬開発の一助となることが期待される。