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Memory reacquisition deficit: Chicks fail to relearn pharmacologically disrupted associative response
A A Tiunova1, D V Bezryadnov1, D R Gaeva2
1P. K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, 125315, Moscow, Russia.
Behavioural Brain Research
|May 15, 2020
Summary
Even if memory formation is blocked, retraining with the same cue fails. However, learning is successful with a novel cue, suggesting issues with associative memory allocation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Memory Research
Background:
- Pharmacological disruption of memory consolidation is assumed to allow for fresh learning.
- Understanding memory reacquisition is crucial for memory research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if memory can be reacquired after consolidation is inhibited.
- To examine the effect of retraining with the same versus a novel stimulus after memory disruption.
Main Methods:
- Day-old chicks were trained in a one-trial passive avoidance task.
- Memory formation was inhibited using anisomycin or MK-801.
- Chicks underwent retraining with either the same or a novel conditioned stimulus.
Main Results:
- Retraining with the same stimulus did not lead to efficient memory recall.
- Novel training with a new stimulus resulted in successful learning.
- This effect was observed across various time intervals.
Conclusions:
- Memory reacquisition after consolidation inhibition is impaired when using the same stimulus.
- The deficit may stem from a failure in associative memory co-allocation mechanisms.
- This challenges the assumption that memory can always be acquired afresh after disruption.
