Abstract
A series of three experiments was conducted to determine if epinephrine administered to animals given prior shock might support learning to new environmental cues paired with the epinephrine injection. Experiment 1, utilizing nonnaive rats, provided results snowing that such learning is possible. The effect, while dose-dependent, did not appear to be based on either epinephrine-induced place aversion or on sensitization. The results of Experiment 2 confirmed the basic finding when naive animals were utilized. Experiment 3 examined more carefully the potential contribution of generalized fear, impairment of extinction of fear, and nonspecific sensitization to the phenomenon. Since the findings did not support these alternative interpretations, it appears that epinephrine administration to previously stressed rats does indeed support new learning. The epinephrine-cue association may be mediated by either of two mechanisms: (1) higher order conditioning or (2) memory reactivation. The redintegrative function of epinephrine injections, in terms of modulating memory processing, is also discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
