Activity and passive-avoidance learning in cobalt-injected rats.
A wide range of cognitive-behavioral sequelae, including memory deficits, results from hard metal disease in humans. Cobalt is a common component in the manufacture of hard metals and is a biologically active, toxic substance. This study examined the effects of cobalt exposure in rats. Results showed decreased exploratory behavior and a trend for higher-dose subjects to show decreased passive avoidance learning. No significant differences in active maze learning were found. These results indicate the value of further explorations of the cognitive-behavioral effects of cobalt exposure and suggest a number of methodological cautions.
Czarnota
M
M
University of Michigan, USA. dwhitman@sun.science.wayne.edu
Whitman
D
D
Berman
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D003035:Cobalt / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects
D003035:Cobalt