The hippocampus is crucial for spatial memory formation, yet it does not store long-lasting memories. By combining functional brain imaging and region-specific neuronal inactivation in mice, we identified prefrontal and anterior cingulate cortices as critical for storage and retrieval of remote spatial memories [correction]. Imaging of activity-dependent genes also revealed an involvement of parietal and retrosplenial cortices during consolidation of remote memory. Long-term memory storage within some of these neocortical regions was accompanied by structural changes including synaptogenesis and laminar reorganization, concomitant with a functional disengagement of the hippocampus and posterior cingulate cortex [correction]. Thus, consolidation of spatial memory requires a time-dependent hippocampal-cortical dialogue, ultimately enabling widespread cortical networks to mediate effortful recall and use of cortically stored remote memories independently.

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Maintenance of intra-VTA, but not intra-NAc, morphine self-administration depends acutely on D2/D3 receptors. However, the deleterious effect of sulpiride on intra-VTA morphine self-administration is transient. Reappearance of ICSA under neuroleptic treatment in VTA subjects may be related to the sensitization effect of intra-VTA morphine infusions, combined with an upregulation of D2/D3 receptors and alterations of DA metabolism by repeated sulpiride injections.

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