Effect of Electroconvulsive Shock (ECS) on Retention of a Passive Avoidance Response in Rats

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Abstract
Three groups of Ss were given passive avoidance response (PAR) training in a step-down box. Group NT was given neither foot shock (FS) not electroconvulsive shock (ECS) upon stepping down, Group FS received FS but no ECS, and Group FS-ECS received FS followed by ECS. Subgroups from each of these treatment groups were tested for retention 24, 48, or 72 hr. after original treatment. PAR learning was found in all of the FS groups and in the 48-hr. FS-ECS group. There was an apparent increment in the PAR at 48 hr. for both FS and FS-ECS groups. Retrograde amnesia was apparent in the 24- and 72-hr. FS-ECS groups but was reduced in the 48-hr. group.