The effect of the duration of adaptation to laboratory conditions on the passive avoidance reflex in rats

摘要

Influence of adaptation degree in new conditions on the passive avoidance was studied. The short period of habituation (3 days) positively influenced the rats' ability for memory trace retrieval. A negative correlation between the step through latency and anxiety in the elevated plus-maze, was shown. Prolongation of adaptation up to 9 days reduced levels of anxiety and retrieval of conditioned response. Modulating role of adaptation degree causing various anxiety levels in passive avoidance, is discussed.