GABA-mediated presynaptic inhibition is required for precision of long-term memory

Though much attention has been given to the neural structures that underlie the long-term consolidation of contextual memories, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of memory precision. Here, we demonstrate a rapid time-dependent decline in memory precision in GABA(B(1a)) receptor knockout mice. First, we show that GABA(B(1a)) receptors are required for the maintenance, but not encoding, of a precise fear memory. We then demonstrate that GABA(B(1a)) receptors are required for the maintenance, but not encoding, of spatial memories. Our findings suggest that GABA-mediated presynaptic inhibition regulates the maintenance of memory precision as a function of memory age.