SLOW LEARNING IN RATS DUE TO LONG-TERM INHALATION OF TOLUENE

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 5  (5) , 541-548
Abstract
Rats were exposed to toluene [a commonly abused solvent] at the concentrations of 1000, 4000 and 7000 ppm for 1 h/day, 6 days/wk for 6.5 mo., 154 days'' exposure. Behavioral tests were carried out after the termination of 154 days'' exposure. The performance level of FR [fixed ratio] 1, extinction of the FR 30 schedule, wheel running activity, scores of open field test and body weight were not influenced. Slow acquisition of the timing behavior of the DRL [differential reinforcement of low rates] 12 s schedule in toluene-exposed rats was revealed: higher responses from the 1st session onwards, lower percent reinforced responses from the 1st session onwards and higher relative frequency of shorter interresponse-time (IRT) from the 9th to 12th sessions, respectively, than those of the control rats. At the 33rd session onwards, the highest relative frequency of IRT of the DRL 12 s schedule was at .apprx. 12 s in all groups except 1 exposed group (7000 ppm).

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