The effects of ECS and hypoxia on information retrieval

Abstract

Seven groups of rats were trained in a passive avoidance task. All groups were tested 24 hr later to assure retention of the task. One group of animals was then administered an ECS treatment. Three groups were administered an ECS treatment under conditions which eliminate or reduce the production of hypoxia. Another group was exposed to a nitrogen atmosphere to induce hypoxia by a different method. All groups were then retested for retention of the passive avoidance task 3 and 24 hr later. The results indicate that ECS or nitrogen inhalation (both hypoxia producing treatments) produce an amnesia for the passive avoidance task at the 3 hr retest but not at the 24 hr retest. In contrast, minimizing or eliminating the hypoxic consequences of an ECS treatment does not result in a temporary amnesic effect.