Retrograde enhancement of memory by mild flurothyl treatment in the chick

Physiol Behav. 1975 Feb;14(2):151-8. doi: 10.1016/0031-9384(75)90159-6.

Abstract

Strong flurothyl treatment (1.7% v/v for 8 min) produces retrograde amnesia in chicks when administered as long as 24 hr after one-trial avoidance training with a strongly aversive stimulus. Mild flurothyl treatment (0.2% v/v for 8 min) produced retrograde enhancement when administered as long as 16 min after similar training with a moderately aversive stimulus. The moderate training followed by mild flurothyl treatment enhanced 24-hr retention to the level found after strong training alone. Enhanced retention persisted for at least 72 hr; nonspecific performance effects faded within 48 hr. The predominant dose-dependent and time-dependent enhancement effect of mild flurothyl treatment is interpreted as improved memory consolidation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amnesia / chemically induced*
  • Amnesia, Retrograde / chemically induced*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Avoidance Learning / drug effects
  • Chickens
  • Conditioning, Psychological / drug effects
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Flurothyl / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Memory / drug effects*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Flurothyl