Effect of Inhaled Cigarette Smoke on Swimming Endurance in the Rat

Abstract

In a swimming experiment it was measured how long rats with a tail load can remain on the surface in a tub filled with water until they submerge for a fixed period of time. During training the animals achieved an improvement of performance presumably due 10 better coordination of swimming movements. Subsequently, a deterioration of performance occurred, presumably due 10 loss of motivation. After pretraining, the rats were immobilized in a special device and forced to inhale cigarette smoke. Immobilization alone in this machine did nol influence the swimming ,times. Immobilization and 10 or 20 puffs of cigarette smoke resulted in a significant deterioration of performance, whereas five puffs had no effect.