Sex-related differences in amygdala activity influences immediate memory

Neuroreport. 2010 Mar 10;21(4):273-6. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e328335b3f9.

Abstract

Despite a well-established relationship between amygdala activation during learning and long-term memory, contributions of amygdala to immediate memory have not been studied to date. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5-T field strength to determine whether amygdala responses to emotional pictures would predict performance on an immediate recognition memory test. Sex differences in amygdala activation were related to false-positive error rates in recognizing unpleasant pictures. Specifically, increased right amygdala activation during unpleasant picture viewing was related to lower false-positive rates for men and higher false-positive rates for women. Our results indicate that increased amygdala activation while viewing unpleasant pictures may preferentially facilitate immediate recognition memory in men relative to women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amygdala / physiology*
  • Emotions / physiology
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Pattern Recognition, Visual / physiology
  • Photic Stimulation / methods
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Recognition, Psychology / physiology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Sex Factors