Memory Processes in the Medial Temporal Lobe: Beyond Long-Term Memory

作者：Axmacher N^*; Fell J

来源：Klinische Neurophysiologie, 2010, 41(2): 152-161.

DOI：10.1055/s-0030-1252030

• working memory
• memory consolidation
• intracranial EEG
• functional MRI
• memory systems

Introduction: Memory is not a unitary process, but can be divided into multiple subsystems with distinct neuronal correlates. While it is well known that the medial temporal lobe (MTL) plays a crucial role in encoding into and retrieval from long-term memory, its relevance for other memory processes is currently under debate. Traditionally, it has been assumed that the MTL only plays a minor role during maintenance of items in working memory. The neural processes in the MTL during consolidation of items in long-term memory still remain to be investigated in humans.
Materials and Methods: In this review, we summarise several studies on the role of the MTL for working memory and long-term memory consolidation, which have been conducted at the Department of Epileptology, University of Bonn, during the years 2006-2008. These studies used intracranial EEG recordings in epilepsy patients as well as functional magnetic resonance imaging in healthy control subjects.
Results and Discussion: Contrary to traditional assumptions, these studies show that the MTL does play a role for maintenance of items in working memory. This appears to be particularly the case when multiple items need to be processed simultaneously. Studies on long-term memory consolidation showed that the incidence of high-frequency population bursts ("ripples") within the MTL during sleep is predictive for the success of consolidation. These results suggest that the hypothesis of an exclusive function of the MTL for encoding into and retrieval from long-term memory needs to be revised.

• 出版日期2010-6