Integrating memories in the human brain: hippocampal-midbrain encoding of overlapping events

Neuron. 2008 Oct 23;60(2):378-89. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.09.023.

Abstract

Decisions are often guided by generalizing from past experiences. Fundamental questions remain regarding the cognitive and neural mechanisms by which generalization takes place. Prior data suggest that generalization may stem from inference-based processes at the time of generalization. By contrast, generalization may emerge from mnemonic processes occurring while premise events are encoded. Here, participants engaged in a two-phase learning and generalization task, wherein they learned a series of overlapping associations and subsequently generalized what they learned to novel stimulus combinations. Functional MRI revealed that successful generalization was associated with coupled changes in learning-phase activity in the hippocampus and midbrain (ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra). These findings provide evidence for generalization based on integrative encoding, whereby overlapping past events are integrated into a linked mnemonic representation. Hippocampal-midbrain interactions support the dynamic integration of experiences, providing a powerful mechanism for building a rich associative history that extends beyond individual events.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Association Learning / physiology
  • Brain Mapping
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Female
  • Hippocampus / anatomy & histology
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Models, Neurological
  • Nerve Net / anatomy & histology
  • Nerve Net / physiology
  • Neural Pathways / anatomy & histology
  • Neural Pathways / physiology*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Substantia Nigra / anatomy & histology
  • Substantia Nigra / physiology*
  • Time Factors
  • Ventral Tegmental Area / anatomy & histology
  • Ventral Tegmental Area / physiology*

Substances

  • Dopamine