Peculiarities of Participation of DNA Methyltransferases in the Mechanisms of Storage, Impairment, and Recovery of Conditioned Food Aversion Memory

Abstract

We studied the participation of DNA-methylation processes in the mechanisms of memory storage and reconsolidation, amnesia induction, and in recovery of the conditioned food aversion memory in edible snails. It was found that daily injections of DNA methyltransferases inhibitor over 3 days combined with a reminder of a conditioned food stimulus did not affect memory storage. The administration of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors did not suppress induction of amnesia caused the NMDA receptor antagonist/reminder. Injections of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors combined with the reminder led to memory recovery in 3 days after amnesia induction. Thus, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in the same doses did not affect storage and reconsolidation of memory, as well as the mechanisms of amnesia induction. At the same time, injections of inhibitors led to memory recovery, apparently, due to disruption of reactivation and amnesia development.