Ouabain does not impair reconsolidation following a reminder of passive avoidance learning in the day-old chick.
This study investigated the effect of ouabain, an inhibitor of NA(+) and K(+) ATPase, on consolidation and reconsolidation of a passive avoidance learning task in the day-old chick. In the consolidating trace, ouabain is thought to inhibit an intermediate-term memory phase, some aspects of which acts as a "trigger" for long-term stabilisation of the trace by new protein synthesis. It was hypothesised that a similar process may initiate the protein synthesis observed following reminder-activated reconsolidation in the young chick. Chicks were trained on a single trial passive avoidance task. A dose of 0.2 ug/kg ouabain was administered intracranially either 5 min post-training (consolidation processes) or 5 min post-reminder (reconsolidation processes). Consistent with previous research, ouabain administration induced a memory deficit following the initial learning trial. However, contrary to expectation, ouabain did not disrupt memory processing post-reactivation. This finding provides further evidence for the notion that consolidation and reconsolidation are associated with similar, but distinct, stages of processing.
Sherry
Joanne M
JM
School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Australia.
Crowe
Simon F
SF
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D002645:Chickens; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D010042:Ouabain / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D010042:Ouabain