Research article - (2006)05, 80 - 88
Regular Rehearsal Helps in Consolidation of Long Term Memory
Milind Parle1,, Nirmal Singh2, Mani Vasudevan1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University (State Technical University), Hisar (Haryana), India
2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala (Punjab) India

Milind Parle
✉ Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Post Box – 38, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar (Haryana) -125 001, India
Email: mparle@rediffmail.com
Received: 06-10-2005 -- Accepted: 22-12-2005
Published (online): 01-03-2006

ABSTRACT

Memory, one of the most complex functions of the brain comprises of multiple components such as perception, registration, consolidation, storage, retrieval and decay. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of different training sessions on the retention capacity of rats. The capacity of retention of learnt task was measured using exteroceptive behavioral models such as Hexagonal swimming pool apparatus, Hebb-Williams maze and Elevated plus-maze. A total of 150 rats divided into fifteen groups were employed in the present study. The animals were subjected to different training sessions during first three days. The ability to retain the learned task was tested after single, sub-acute, acute, sub-chronic and chronic exposure to above exteroceptive memory models in separate groups of animals. The memory score of all animals was recorded after 72 h, 192 h and 432 h of their last training trial. Rats of single exposure group did not show any effect on memory. Sub-acute training group animals showed improved memory up to 72 h only, where as in acute and sub-chronic training groups this memory improvement was extended up to 192 h. The rats, which were subjected to chronic exposures showed a significant improvement in retention capacity that lasted up to a period of eighteen days. These observations suggest that repeated rehearsals at regular intervals are probably necessary for consolidation of long-term memory. It was observed that sub-acute, acute and sub-chronic exposures, improved the retrieval ability of rats but this memory improving effect was short lived. Thus, rehearsal or training plays a crucial role in enhancing one’s capacity of retaining the learnt information.

Key words: Training, retention, plus-maze, rehearsal

Key Points
  • The present study underlines the importance of regular rehearsals in enhancing one’s capacity of retaining the learnt information. “ Sub-acute, acute & sub-chronic rehearsals result in storing of information for a limited period of time.
  • Quick decay of information or forgetting is a natural continuously active process designed to wipe out unnecessary and useless information.
  • The capacities of grasping, understanding and memory are all crucial for career growth.
  • Single exposure to a new environment is not sufficient enough to form a permanent memory trace in brain.








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