RESOCIALIZATION OF ISOLATION-REARED RATS DOES NOT ALTER THEIR ANXIOGENIC PROFILE ON THE ELEVATED X-MAZE MODEL OF ANXIETY

Rats were reared from weaning either in isolation or in social groups for 30 days and their behaviour on the elevated X-maze was studied. Isolation-reared rats displayed an anxiogenic profile on the X-maze compared to socially reared controls. Resocialisation of isolation-reared rats for a further 30 days did not reverse this anxiogenic profile, and isolation of the socially reared rats for 30 days did not produce an anxiogenic behavioural profile, indicating that the differences observed may be a result of a permanent developmental change. The locomotor hyperactivity induced by isolation was specific to the rearing conditions. It remains to be determined what neurochemical events are involved in the sustained effects of rearing in isolation.