AGE, SEX, AND STRAIN DIFFERENCES IN AVERSIVE THRESHOLD TO GRID SHOCK IN RAT

Using a spatial preference test with a rectangular tilt cage, the aversive thresholds for grid shock were plotted for male and female Sprague-Dawley, Long-Evans, and Wistar rats, and for male Sprague-Dawley rats (total N = 500) 34, 80, 220, and 500 days old. Female Ss and younger Ss demonstrated lower threshold values, but results were influenced by body weight because a covariance analysis indicated that shock sensitivity was directly related to body weight. (19 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.