Glutamate receptor modulator dimebon stimulates consolidation and reconsolidation of weak memory in chicks

Effects of glutamate receptor modulator dimebon on memory consolidation and reconsolidation were investigated in passive avoidance paradigm in newborn chicks. Systemic administration of 0.1 mg/kg dimebon 5 min before or 4 h after "weak" training resulted in formation of long-term memory. Dimebon administration in combination with memory reactivation 24 h after "weak" training recovered the memory decayed by the time of reminder and ensured its subsequent long-term maintenance over 24 h. Thus, we showed the possibility for dimebon-induced recovery of the memory that decayed and had no manifestations in behavior. Dimebon administration potentiated early and late stages of memory consolidation in learning as well as in memory reconsolidation following its reactivation.