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Originally published in Science Express on 8 April 2004
Science 7 May 2004:
Vol. 304. no. 5672, pp. 839 - 843
DOI: 10.1126/science.1095760
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Research Articles

Independent Cellular Processes for Hippocampal Memory Consolidation and Reconsolidation

Jonathan L. C. Lee, Barry J. Everitt, Kerrie L. Thomas*{dagger}

The idea that new memories undergo a time-dependent consolidation process after acquisition has received considerable experimental support. More controversial has been the demonstration that established memories, once recalled, become labile and sensitive to disruption, requiring "reconsolidation" to become permanent. By infusing antisense oligodeoxynucleotides into the hippocampus of rats, we show that consolidation and reconsolidation are doubly dissociable component processes of memory. Consolidation involves brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) but not the transcription factor Zif268, whereas reconsolidation recruits Zif268 but not BDNF. These findings confirm a requirement for BDNF specifically in memory consolidation and also resolve the role of Zif268 in brain plasticity, learning, and memory.

Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK.



* Present address: Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3US, UK.

{dagger} To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: thomaskl5{at}cf.ac.uk

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