Researchers Pinpoint Brain Region Essential for Social Memory

Recent findings published in the journal Nature, determined that a small region of the brain found in the hippocampus, known as CA2, is essential for social memory. The importance of the hippocampus in relation to social memory was famously illustrated by the case of Henry Molaison, who had much of his hippocampus removed by surgeons in 1953, and was subsequently unable to form new memories of people. To learn more about this part of the hippocampus, the research team created a transgenic mouse in which CA2 neurons could be selectively inhibited in adult animals. Once the neurons were inhibited, the mice were given a series of behavioral tests. Results showed abnormal social memory. Normally, mice are curious about a mouse they’ve never met, and spend more time investigating an unfamiliar mouse. However, mice with an inactivated CA2 region showed no preference for a novel mouse versus a previous encountered mouse, indicating a lack of social memory. Because several neuropsychiatric disorders are associated with altered social behaviors, the findings of the study suggest the possibility that CA2 dysfunction may contribute to behavioral changes, and may provide a new target for therapeutic treatment. To read more about this study, click here.