Cellular Consolidation Paper

Words: 522
Pages: 3

Consolidation can be separated into two categories; cellular consolidation refers to the process in our cells called long term potentiation (LTP) stabilising memories through strengthening synapses (Bramham & Messaoudi, 2005). In contrast systems consolidation refers to the roles played by the hippocampus and neocortex. Cellular consolidation has been shown to play a unique role in sleep. Leonard, McNaughton and Barnes (1987) found reduced activation in the hippocampus of rats during slow wave sleep (SWS). Reduced activation was a result of the absence in long term potentiation, consequentially lessening the extent to which encoding was taking place. Normal firing LTP resumed in rats once they were in an active awake state. Results from Leonard, McNaughton and Barnes (1987) therefore indicate, a reduced amount of activation in the hippocampus during SWS and reduced LTP play a role in cellular memory consolidation. This occurs by …show more content…
Learning in the morning is less advantageous compared to learning just before sleep, due to reduced LTP and reduced activation of the hippocampus during slow wave sleep (SWS). This pattern of reduced activation results in a stronger feedback loop aiding memory consolidation without interference from new inputs. This conclusion is supported by Hasselmo (2006) who studied the effect of acetylcholine (Ach) on memory. High doses of Ach (promoting wake) led to the brain becoming more responsive to inputs from the external world, promoting LTP and reducing the feedback loop to other hippocampal areas. However, low doses of acetylcholine (promoting sleep), reduced encoding and LTP, instead favouring the hippocampal and neocortex feedback loop, as a result consolidating memories. These findings concur with Leonard, McNaughton and Barnes (1987) and Payne et al (2012) where SWS is accompanied by low levels of Ach (Power,