Transfer of avoidance learning between normal and functionally decorticate states.

Abstract

To assess degree of transfer between learning an avoidance response with cortex normal and with cortex under bilateral spreading depression (BSD), rats were trained and retrained 4 1/2 hr. later in one of the following combinations: Normal to Normal (N-N), sham BSD to sham BSD (S-S), sham BSD to BSD (S-K), BSD to BSD (K-K), and BSD to sham BSD (K-S). Results indicate: (a) Groups N-N and S-S showed almost perfect transfer, (b) BSD Ss learned more slowly than N-N or sham-BSD Ss, (c) pretraining under sham BSD facilitated learning under BSD, (d) Group K-K transferred positively but less than Group S-S in relearining, (e) training under BSD did not transfer to sham BSD, (f) BSD Ss showed stereotypy.