Psychobiology of memory: Towards a model of memory formation

Evidence from the use of inhibitory drugs and antagonists to these drugs suggest a three phase model of memory formation, with phases sequentially dependent. Hyperpolarization due to potassium conductance changes following learning are postulated to underlie the formation of a short-term memory phase. Hyperpolarization associated with sodium pump activity appears to be involved in the formation of the succeeding labile phase. Long-term memory formation appears to involve sodium pump associated amino acid uptake occuring during labile phase formation. Protein synthesis is accepted as underlying the formation of long-term memory. Although reference is made to available evidence in the literature, this review deals in detail with evidence from our laboratories.