As mentioned above, a large amount of evidence indicates that the
endocannabinoid system is crucially involved in the modulation of memory
consolidation for stressful experiences (Akirav, 2011; Campolongo et al, 2009;
Kano et al, 2009; Marsicano et al, 2009; Wotjak, 2005). Indeed previous findings
from our laboratory have demonstrated that CB1 receptor activation within the
BLA enhances memory consolidation. In particular, the cannabinoid agonist
WIN55,212-2, bilaterally infused into the BLA immediately after inhibitory
avoidance training, enhanced memory consolidation. Conversely, the CB1
receptor antagonist AM251 administered after training into the BLA dosedependently
impaired 48-h inhibitory avoidance retention (Campolongo et al,
2009). Based on these previous findings we hypothesized that after an aversive
experience endocannabinoids might be released within the BLA in order to
modulate the better storage of emotionally salient events
