Effect of DDT and M.S. 222 on Learning a Simple Conditioned Response in Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract
Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were force fed, with and without M.S. 222 anesthesia, pellets containing DDT equivalent to 0, 10, and 100% of the 96 h-LD50 dose of 0.03 mg DDT/g body weight. DDT at the LD50 dose significantly increased learning rate 48 and 72 h after treatment. Although the 10% LD50 group did not learn significantly faster than controls, their slightly improved learning rate indicated a dose-dependent response curve. M.S. 222 did not affect learning rate of a simple conditioned response whether or not the anesthetic was combined with DDT.