The influence of barbital on the activity and learning of white rats.

Abstract

Rats (94) received 100 mgm. of Na barbital per kgm. intraperitoneally on alternate days for 41/2 mos. Two control groups totaling 151 rats were used. Activity and learning were tested by allowing the rats to thread a maze. The stimulus was a thirst drive of 12-36 hrs. The ability to locate a reward in a maze within 30 min. showed no significant differences between the control and injected rats; but the number of barbital-injected rats successful in 5 min. was definitely less than the control. The time required to complete the maze was longer for barbital-injected rats. This is explained on the basis of lowered physical activity alone.