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Reconsolidation after remembering an odor-reward association requires NMDA receptors.

Torras-Garcia M, Lelong J, Tronel S, Sara SJ

Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Memory, CNRS UMR 7102, Université Pierre & Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France.

A rapidly learned odor discrimination task based on spontaneous foraging behavior of the rat was used to evaluate the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) in ongoing memory consolidation. Rats were trained in a single session to discriminate among three odors, one of which was associated with palatable food reward. Previous experiments showed that the NMDAR antagonist DL-APV induced amnesia for this task when injected immediately after training. In the present study, memory was reactivated 24 h after training by exposure to the rewarded odor within the experimental context after which rats received an intracerebroventricular injection of APV. Combined reactivation-drug treatment induced profound amnesia when tested 48 h later. Animals receiving drug alone, in absence of reactivation, showed perfect retention. It is concluded that NMDARs support a consolidation process taking place after memory reactivation.

Published 2 February 2005 in Learn Mem, 12(1): 18-22.
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