LONG-LASTING PROACTIVE EFFECTS OF A SINGLE ECS

The performance of naive rats and mice which had been administered ECS at various times before testing in the presence or absence of light was shown, in 3 experimental situations, to depend upon the interaction of ECS with light. The animals behaved as though light had become more aversive to them after ECS treatment. This effect was found to last for at least 1 week and could be induced with both transcorneal and transpinneal ECS administration. This change in light sensitivity was shown to affect the behavior of mice in a passive avoidance apparatus and the behavior of rats in a bar-pressing situation. The question arises as to whether other stimuli, e.g. foot shock, can similarly interact with proactive ECS treatment. © 1969.