Effect of foot-shock intensity on amount of memory retrieval in rats by emotionally important stimuli in a drug-dependent learning escape design

Abstract
Drug-dependent learning (lack of transfer between drug states) was demonstrated and disrupted in an escape learning, forced choice T-maze task. A drug-dependent learning (DDL) group was trained to escape foot shock (0.65 mA) while in a drug (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride) state. These rats subsequently responded randomly on non-shock test trials in the non-drug state, but continued to respond significantly (PP<0.01) different from the DDL group's performance. The results were interpreted as demonstrating that an emotionally-important auditory stimulus could initiate a memory retrieval process that could overcome a physiological state. This memory retrieval process was not modified by wide variations in foot shock intensity.