In this paper, we address the enigma of the memory engram, the physical trace of memory in terms of its composition, processes, and location. A neurochemical approach assumes that neural processes hinge on the same terms used to describe the biochemical functioning of other biological tissues and organs. We define a biochemical process, a tripartite mechanism involving the interactions of neurons with their neural extracellular matrix, trace metals, and neurotransmitters as the basis of a biochemical memory engram. The latter inextricably link physiological responses, including sensations with affective states, such as emotions.
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The tripartite mechanism as the basis for a biochemical memory engram
Gerard Marx1, Chaim Gilon2,*
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1
MX Biotech Ltd., Jerusalem 95744, Israel
2
Institute of Chemistry, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
*Correspondence: gilon@vms.huji.ac.il (Chaim Gilon)
J. Integr. Neurosci. 2019, 18(2), 181–185;
https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin.2019.02.6101
Submitted: 11 January 2019 | Accepted: 10 June 2019 | Published: 30 June 2019
Copyright: © 2019 Marx and Gilon Published by IMR press.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/)
Abstract
Keywords
Cognitive information
affective biochemistry
trace metals
neurotransmitters
extracellular matrix
memory engram
emotive memory
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Figure 1.