Step-through latencies in mice as a function of ECS-test interval

Abstract

Abstract Mice were given either foot shock followed by ECS, foot shock alone, ECS alone or neither following a step-through response in a one trial passive avoidance situation. Subjects were given retention trials at one of 14 retest intervals. Significant effects were found as a function of training condition and retest interval. At retest intervals of less than 480 min following ECS-manipulation, response latencies were largely controlled by the proactive effects of ECS, independent of the learning situation. Thus, unconfounded measures of retention following ECS were possible only at intervals where the proactive effects of ECS had attenuated. Retention of the passive avoidance response, as well as its attenuation by ECS, was shown at all retest intervals from 8 hr to 42 days.