Exploratory behavior in rats with hippocampal lesions.

Abstract

Hippocampal-lesioned, cortical-lesioned, and sham-operated rats were tested before and after surgery in a T maze motivated by opportunity for exploration. Choice behavior and speed of running were recorded. There were no differences among the groups in number of postlesion choices to the exploratory side, but Ss with hippocampal lesions perseverated more than others. All groups were also given forced trials, and on these trials speed at the choice point was similar for all groups on the 1st daily trial, but speed of control groups decreased more rapidly on subsequent trials than that of hippocampals. These data were interpreted as indicating that hippocampal lesions impair S''s ability to habituate to novelty.