Intermediate-term memory

Intermediate-term memory (ITM) is a stage of

Though the idea of intermediate-term memory has existed since the 1990s, Sutton et al. introduced a novel theory for the neural correlates underlying intermediate-term memory in Aplysia in 2001, where they described it as the primary behavioral manifestation of intermediate-term facilitation.^[9]

Characteristics

In 2001, Sutton and colleagues proposed that intermediate-term memory possesses the following 3 characteristics:

• Its induction requires
  transcription^[9][10]
• Its expression requires the persistent activation of protein kinase A^[9] and protein kinase C^[11]
• It declines completely before the onset of long-term memory^[9]

Mechanism

Induction

Because intermediate-term memory does not involve transcription, it likely involves the translation of mRNA transcripts already present in neurons.^{[4][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]}

Comparison with short-term/working memory

Unlike short-term memory and working memory, intermediate-term memory requires changes in translation to occur in order to function.

Comparison with long-term memory

While ITM requires only changes in translation, induction of long-term memory requires changes in transcription as well.^[23] The change from short-term memory to long-term memory is thought to dependent on CREB, which regulates transcription, but because ITM does not involve a change in transcription, it is thought to be independent of CREB activity.^[4] According to the definition of ITM proposed by Sutton et al. in 2001, it disappears completely before long-term memory is induced.^[9]

References