Impaired learning of active avoidance in water-intoxicated rats.
Brain edema is an important clinical condition. Pathophysiological findings on behavioral changes may be helpful for a comprehensive understanding of brain edema. However, only few reports on behavioral studies of brain edema have so far appeared. Experiments using psychological techniques on animals are rather time-consuming and may not be suitable for the study of transient conditions, as brain edema caused by trauma, vascular accidents, or others. We have developed a method for avoidance learning of rats using a running wheel apparatus with computer assistance. This model was employed in studies on brain edema from water introxication in rats. As a result, avoidance learning was significantly impaired by water intoxication. Either direct overhydration of the brain or indirect effects, as a decrease in cerebral blood flow, or both, are suggested as mechanisms underlying the impairment of behavior.
Yamaguchi
M
M
Faculty of Health Science, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan.
Yamada
T
T
Kinoshita
I
I
Wu
S
S
Nagashima
T
T
Tamaki
N
N
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D001929:Brain Edema / Q000523:psychology*; D003201:Computers; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D014869:Water Intoxication / Q000523:psychology*