Cholinergic modulation of the hippocampal region and memory function

J Neurochem. 2017 Aug;142 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):111-121. doi: 10.1111/jnc.14052.

Abstract

Acetylcholine (ACh) plays an important role in memory function and has been implicated in aging-related dementia, in which the impairment of hippocampus-dependent learning strongly manifests. Cholinergic neurons densely innervate the hippocampus, mediating the formation of episodic as well as semantic memory. Here, we will review recent findings on acetylcholine's modulation of memory function, with a particular focus on hippocampus-dependent learning, and the circuits involved. In addition, we will discuss the complexity of ACh actions in memory function to better understand the physiological role of ACh in memory. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.

Keywords: ACh; AD; cholinergic; hippocampus; learning; memory; muscarinic; nicotinic.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine / metabolism*
  • Acetylcholine / pharmacology
  • Aging / physiology
  • Animals
  • Cholinergic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Hippocampus / drug effects*
  • Hippocampus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Learning / physiology
  • Memory / drug effects*
  • Memory / physiology

Substances

  • Cholinergic Agents
  • Acetylcholine