GROWTH HORMONE AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLEXITY EFFECTS ON BEHAVIOR IN RAT

21 pregnant rats were injected with bovine growth hormone (GH, somatotrophin) or control solution on the 3rd-19th day of gestation. Their offspring were tested on reflex maturation prior to weaning and following weaning reared in enriched or isolated environments. At maturity Ss were given 3 behavioral tests: open-field activity, Lashley III maze, and shuttle-box avoidance. In general Ss reared in the enriched environment learned faster in the Lashley and shuttle-box avoidance situations. The GH Ss reared in isolation performed better than control offspring reared in isolation. The GH treatment had no consistent effects on Ss raised in the enriched environment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.