Context- but not familiarity-dependent forms of object recognition are impaired following excitotoxic hippocampal lesions in rats

Good, M.A.; Barnes, P.; Staal, V.; McGregor, A.; Honey, R.C.

Abstract

Dual-process models of recognition memory in animals propose that recognition memory is supported by two independent processes that reflect the operation of distinct brain structures: a familiarity process that operates independently of the hippocampus and a context-dependent (episodic) memory process that is dependent on the hippocampus. A novel variant of an object recognition procedure was used to examine this proposal. Healthy rats showed a preference for exploring a novel object rather than a familiar object: a familiarity-dependent recognition effect. They also showed a preference for exploring a familiar object that was presented in a different spatiotemporal context rather than a familiar object that was presented either in a different spatial or temporal context: a context-dependent form of recognition that is sensitive to "what" object has been presented "where" and "when." Rats with excitotoxic hippocampal lesions showed the familiarity-dependent but not the context-dependent form of recognition. The results provide support for dual-process theories of recognition memory.

Citation

Good, M., Barnes, P., Staal, V., McGregor, A., & Honey, R. (2007). Context- but not familiarity-dependent forms of object recognition are impaired following excitotoxic hippocampal lesions in rats. Behavioral Neuroscience, 121(1), 218-223. https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7044.121.1.218

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: 2007-02
• Journal: Behavioral Neuroscience
• Print ISSN: 0735-7044
• Electronic ISSN: 1939-0084
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 121
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 218-223
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7044.121.1.218
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1566558