A central question in memory research is how component structures of medial temporal lobe (MTL) differentially contribute to acquisition, retention, and retrieval of long-term memories. Using a combination of high-resolution fMRI and cortical flattening techniques that make differentiation of these small, adjacent structures possible, the proposed research investigates hypotheses regarding functional specialization within MTL. The proposed experiments specifically investigate hypotheses based on the connectional anatomy of MTL, both in terms of its connectivity to sensory cortical regions and its intrinsic hierarchical connectivity. The segregation of cortical information entering MTL suggests that different MTL subregions may maintain different types of memory representations since each region has a unique set of inputs allowing for a distinctive pattern of sensory convergence and integration that support different types of representational capabilities. In addition, the hierarchical nature of processing in MTL suggests that structures at different hierarchical levels play distinct roles in declarative memory. First, we will test whether encoding responses and subsequent memory prediction of MTL subregions depend on cortical information that each subregion receives. Second, we will examine how different MTL subregions are involved in item and relational memory at encoding and retrieval. Finally, we will consider how MTL subregions contribute to acquisition and use of conjunctive information. ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32MH071092-02
Application #
6879536
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F02A (20))
Program Officer
Curvey, Mary F
Project Start
2004-02-20
Project End
2007-02-19
Budget Start
2005-02-20
Budget End
2006-02-19
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$43,976
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Psychology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
009214214
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305
Preston, Alison R; Bornstein, Aaron M; Hutchinson, J Benjamin et al. (2010) High-resolution fMRI of content-sensitive subsequent memory responses in human medial temporal lobe. J Cogn Neurosci 22:156-73