The non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX) impairs late reconsolidation of passive avoidance learning in the day-old chick

Both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors participate in the consolidation of passive avoidance learning (PAL) in the day-old chick. NMDA antagonists have also been implicated in reconsolidation processes following reminder-trials. In this study, we examined the effect of administering 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), a non-NMDA receptor antagonist, on reconsolidation following memory reactivation. New Hampshire × White leghorn cockerels were trained using a modified version of the PAL task. When CNQX was administered 20 min following a reminder trial, a retention deficit was detected at 90 min, but this had resolved by 24 h following the reminder. The parameters of the reconsolidation deficit were similar to those induced by CNQX injections post-training with the exception of their transience. This finding suggests that the action of non-NMDA receptors may perform a similar role in both consolidation and reconsolidation processes.