Abstract
A simple new method, the “tape test” has been developed for studying the enhancement of learning by drugs in “learning-dull” rats. A piece of adhesive tape is pressed on the left front pad of the rats. The time of tape removal by the animal, i.e., the problem-solving time is measured. In our experiments the selected leraning-dull rats were used which were unable to remove the tape within 60 s observed on 3 consecutive days. The problem-solving ability of the rats was studied on 4 consecutive days, by posttrial administration. The problem-solving ability was found to be increased after treatment with different drugs such as para-chlorphenylalanine (PCPA), pemolin, orotic acid, vitamin B12. The stimulatory effect of vitamin B12 could be inhibited by vincristine.
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Abbreviations
- PCPA:
-
Parachlorophenylalanine
- VCR:
-
Vincristine
- P.S.T.:
-
problem-solving time
- P.S. index:
-
problemsolving index
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Ezer, E., Szporny, L. Tape test as a simple new method for the study of compounds increasing the problem-solving ability of the rat. Psychopharmacology 48, 97–99 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00423313
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00423313