Dopamine activity on the perceptual salience for recognition memory

Abstract

To survive, animals must recognize relevant stimuli and distinguish them from inconspicuous information. Usually, the properties of the stimuli, such as intensity, duration, frequency, and novelty, among others, determine the salience of the stimulus. However, previously learned experiences also facilitate the perception and processing of information to establish their salience. Here, we propose “perceptual salience” to define how memory mediates the integration of inconspicuous stimuli into a relevant memory trace without apparently altering the recognition of the physical attributes or valence, enabling the detection of stimuli changes in future encounters. The sense of familiarity is essential for successful recognition memory; in general, familiarization allows the transition of labeling a stimulus from the novel (salient) to the familiar (non-salient). The novel object recognition (NOR) and object location recognition (OLRM) memory paradigms represent experimental models of recognition memory that allow us to study the neurobiological mechanisms involved in episodic memory. The catecholaminergic system has been of vital interest due to its role in several aspects of recognition memory. This review will discuss the evidence that indicates changes in dopaminergic activity during exposure to novel objects or places, promoting the consolidation and persistence of memory. We will discuss the relationship between dopaminergic activity and perceptual salience of stimuli enabling learning and consolidation processes necessary for the novel-familiar transition. Finally, we will describe the effect of dopaminergic deregulation observed in some pathologies and its impact on recognition memory.

Role of dopamine neurons in familiarity

“…Extended familiarization likely strengthens the memory consolidation of the familiar object (Albasser et al, 2009), and studies with rats have further corroborated that prolonged familiarization improves memory retention (Shimoda et al, 2021). Simultaneously, being exposed repeatedly to the same object without notable consequences leads mice to perceive the familiar object as both irrelevant and nonsalient, thereby improving their discrimination of novel objects in subsequent encounters (Hornoiu et al, 2020; Osorio‐Gómez et al, 2022). Therefore, multiple familiarization sessions could enhance novelty discrimination by strengthening memory consolidation and diminishing the perceived salience of the familiar object.…”

Role of Dopamine Neurons in Familiarity

“…Extended familiarization likely strengthens the memory consolidation of the familiar object (Albasser et al, 2009), and studies with rats have further corroborated that prolonged familiarization improves memory retention (Shimoda et al, 2021). Simultaneously, being exposed repeatedly to the same object without notable consequences leads mice to perceive the familiar object as both irrelevant and non-salient, thereby improving their discrimination of novel objects in subsequent encounters (Hornoiu et al, 2020; Osorio-Gómez et al, 2022). Therefore, multiple familiarization sessions could enhance novelty discrimination by strengthening memory consolidation and diminishing the perceived salience of the familiar object.…”

Rethinking dopamine‐guided action sequence learning

“…Additionally, prefrontal DA plays a role in working memory maintenance and cognitive effort (Durstewitz & Seamans, 2008; Jacob et al, 2013; Westbrook & Braver, 2016). DA also enhances attention and aids memory formation (Esber et al, 2012; Hansen & Manahan‐Vaughan, 2014; Osorio‐Gómez et al, 2022; Ramirez‐Mejia et al, 2023; Smith et al, 2015).…”