title: Exploration, fear and maze learning in spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats.
abstract: In this study the performance of normotensive (WKY) rats was compared with that of hypertensive (SHR) rats on a Novel Object Test, a standardized Fear Test, and the Hebb-William's maze. We found no strain differences for exploration; however, WKY rear and ambulate more than SHR near the walls of the apparatus. There were no strain differences apparent in the Fear Test. WKY showed markedly different behavior compared with SHR on the Hebb-William's maze; WKY showed a high level of stereotyped displacement behaviors and failed to improve their performance over successive trials. Overall, WKY appear to be more reactive to environmental conditions than SHR. The behavior of both strains is highly context dependent.
authors: Department of Physiology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: L J
authors: LJ
authors: Rogers
authors: H S
authors: HS
authors: Sink
authors: J W
authors: JW
authors: Hambley
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005239:Fear / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR / Q000502:physiology*; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains / Q000502:physiology*