Chapter 17 - The Amygdala and Emotional Arousal Effects on Object Recognition Memory

Abstract

Abstract The basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA) plays a crucial role in the modulation of memory consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences. The evidence summarized in this chapter demonstrates that BLA activity is also implicated in regulating the strength of nonaversive object recognition memory, and, thus, that high levels of emotional arousal are not necessary for modulation of memory by the BLA. Systemic administration of the adrenal stress hormones epinephrine and corticosterone facilitates the consolidation of different components of object recognition memory. However, some degree of training-associated emotional arousal is essential for enabling these stress hormone effects on object recognition memory. Findings show that adrenal stress hormone effects as well as that of other neuromodulatory systems are integrated through arousal-associated noradrenergic activation within the BLA, which then regulates synaptic plasticity and information storage processes via interactions with other brain regions involved in familiarity and contextual information of recognition memory. These findings provide evidence that the BLA plays a central role in ensuring lasting memories of significant experiences with varying degrees of emotionality.