Protocols for instrumental memory reconsolidation in rodents: A methodological review

Abstract

Background: Memory reconsolidation enables the update of a previously consolidated memory trace after its reactivation. Although Pavlovian memory reconsolidation has been widely demonstrated, instrumental memory reconsolidation is still debated. Early studies suggested that instrumental memories did not undergo reconsolidation and therefore could not be disrupted, whereas other authors suggested that these memories are just more resistant to destabilization and reconsolidation in comparison to Pavlovian memories.

Aim and results: The present paper reviews the behavioral protocols used to investigate appetitive instrumental memory reconsolidation in rodents and describes in detail the specific methods used for memory retrieval, with a critical analysis of the different experimental parameters.

Conclusions: The modalities under which the reconsolidation of appetitive (sucrose or drugs of abuse) instrumental memories occurs have been explored and partially elucidated. Further investigations are recommended on the boundary conditions that constrain instrumental memory reactivation.

Keywords: Appetitive memory; Instrumental memory; Reactivation; Reconsolidation; Rodent.