Cooperation between memory systems: acetylcholine release in the amygdala correlates positively with performance on a hippocampus-dependent task

Behav Neurosci. 2003 Apr;117(2):320-6. doi: 10.1037/0735-7044.117.2.320.

Abstract

The present experiment examined the relationship between release of acetylcholine (ACh) in the amygdala and performance on a hippocampus-dependent spatial working memory task. Using in vivo microdialysis, the authors measured ACh release in rats during testing on a spontaneous alternation task. Amygdala ACh release was positively correlated with performance on the hippocampus-dependent task. These findings suggest that activation of the amygdala promotes processing in other neural systems important for learning and memory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism*
  • Amygdala / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Exploratory Behavior / physiology
  • Hippocampus / metabolism*
  • Hippocampus / physiology
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / physiology
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Microdialysis
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Substances

  • Acetylcholine