ISSN:
1432-2072
Keywords:
Alpha-Methyltyrosine
;
Conditioning
;
EEG Recording Hippocampus Activity
;
Catecholamine
;
Learning
;
Retention
;
Automatic Behavior
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract A chain of conditioned behavior patterns including a response to a discrimination task (tone—no tone), was established in rats with a positive reinforcement (food) being given at the end. A pseudoconditioning group was run as a control. Half of each group was injected with 50 mg/kg AMT per day, beginning on the 23rd day and a fifth (learning) in group beginning on the first day. During all sessions the EEG was recorded by means of implanted electrodes. The results showed that slow hippocampal rhythm (SHR) was present at the beginning of learning both in conditioning and pseudoconditioning groups. Only in the first group, where the tone became a releaser, was a SHR burst elicited with the CS (tone). As the behavior became automatic the SHR vanished. In all groups injected with AMT, there was always more synchronized SHR-activity. Learning under AMT-injection resulted in more correct lever pressing during tone and fewer pressings during the no-tone situation. No diminution in retention (of correct lever pressing) under AMT was seen, but non-reinforced pressing (false reactions) during the no-tone period increased, resembling vacuum activity in innate behavior.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00421956
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