Passive avoidance learning in the crab Chasmagnathus granulatus.
Male crabs Chasmagnathus granulatus were trained by means of a method similar to the standard inhibitory avoidance technique widely used in vertebrates. Each crab was placed in the dark compartment (DC) of a double-chamber device, allowed to move towards the light compartment (LC) and latency to enter measured. Experimental crabs received a shock in LC, but controls were not punished. After 1 min, both experimental and control crabs were free to return to DC. On completion of 1, 2, 3 or 24 hr intertrial interval in DC a retention test was administered and latency to enter LC was measured. A single trial was proven enough to establish a LC-shock association that was detected up to 3 hr later, but no retention was proved after 24 hr. Memory was disrupted when crabs were removed from the apparatus during the 3 hr intertrial interval. Similarities and differences between the passive avoidance method used with crabs and that used with vertebrates are discussed.
Denti
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Laboratorio de Fisiologia del Comportamiento Animal Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, UBA, Argentina.
Dimant
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Maldonado
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H
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D003386:Brachyura / Q000502:physiology*; D004597:Electroshock; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000502:physiology*; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology
D011957:Receptors, Opioid