Reversal learning of an avoidance response in detelencephalated rats.
Avoidance learning followed by reversal learning was tested in rats after removal of all telencephalic brain structures. In phase I, 24 h after ablation of the telencephalon, rats were given a learning trial in the up-hill avoidance task and tested for retention 2 h later. The animals receiving a tail-shock contingent on the up-hill response showed significant increases in step-up latencies in comparison with control animals that had received noncontingent shock. In phase II, rats of the "reversal learning" group received a tail-shock if they did not perform the up-hill response within 5 s. Control animals received either another up-hill contingent shock or no shock. Two hours later the "reversal" group animals showed a decrement in step-up latencies in comparison with control animals, suggesting that reversal learning of the up-hill avoidance task is possible in rats devoid of the telencephalon.
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D004597:Electroshock; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013687:Telencephalon / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors