Retrosplenial cortex inactivation during retrieval, but not encoding, impairs remotely acquired auditory fear conditioning in male rats

Prior studies with permanent lesion methods have demonstrated a role for the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) in the retrieval of remotely, but not recently, acquired delay fear conditioning. To extend the generalizability of these prior findings, the present experiments used chemogenetics to temporarily inactivate the RSC during either retrieval or encoding of delay auditory fear conditioning. Inactivation of the RSC at the time of test impaired retrieval of a remotely conditioned auditory cue, but not a recently conditioned one. In addition, inactivation of the RSC during encoding had no impact on freezing during later retrieval testing for both a remotely and recently conditioned auditory cue. These findings indicate that the RSC contributes to the retrieval, but not encoding, of remotely acquired auditory fear conditioning, and suggest it has less of a role in both retrieval and encoding of recently acquired auditory fear conditioning.

Automated summary

Temporary inactivation of the retrosplenial cortex impaired retrieval of remotely conditioned auditory cue, but not recently conditioned one. Inactivation during encoding had no impact on later retrieval testing for both remotely and recently conditioned auditory cue. This suggests the RSC plays a role in retrieval, but not encoding, of remotely acquired auditory fear conditioning.