Effects of corticosterone on response consolidation and retrieval in the forced swim test.
In the forced swimming test, adrenal hormones regulate immobility time during a test swim given 24 hr after the initial training swim (e.g., the deficit in adrenalectomized animals is reduced when animals are given corticosterone [B] immediately after the training session). In this study, adrenalectomy decreased and B restored immobility during the test swims. The effects of adrenalectomy were completely reversed by 1 mg/kg doses of B, which results in plasma B levels that are comparable to values under basal resting conditions. Higher doses of B had no further effect. B given before or immediately after training partially reversed the effects of adrenalectomy. The complete reversal of the effects of adrenalectomy, however, required the presence of B during both training and testing, suggesting that B plays a role in the consolidation-retention and retrieval of the immobility response.
Mitchell
J B
JB
Developmental Neuroendocrinology Laboratory, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Meaney
M J
MJ
D000315:Adrenalectomy; D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology*; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000502:physiology*; D004924:Escape Reaction / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D013550:Swimming
D003345:Corticosterone