The selectivity of aversive memory reconsolidation and extinction processes depends on the initial encoding of the Pavlovian association

In reconsolidation studies, memories are typically retrieved by an exposure to a single conditioned stimulus (CS). We have previously demonstrated that reconsolidation processes are CS-selective, suggesting that memories retrieved by the CS exposure are discrete and reconsolidate separately. Here, using a compound stimulus in which two distinct CSs are concomitantly paired with the same aversive unconditioned stimulus (US), we show in rats that reexposure to one of the components of the compound CS triggers extinction or reconsolidation of the other component. This suggests that the original training conditions play a critical role in memory retrieval and reconsolidation.

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