One-way avoidance learning: Differences between genetically selected males and females

Abstract

The Roman high- (RHA) and low- (RLA) avoidance rats were selected, respectively, for good vs. poor acquisition of two-way active avoidance, these behavioral differences being modulated by sex and environmental influences. In this study, inbred male and female Roman rats were exposed to a one-way avoidance task in which the time spent in the safe compartment was manipulated in two phases. In the pre-shift phase, animals were exposed to 30 s vs. 1 s in safety. In the post-shift phase, the time in safety was devaluated for Groups 30-1 (successive negative contrast). The results showed that, in both phases, strain differences were observed only in female rats, the RLA-I strain being poorer than the RHA-I strain. The present data show an interaction among genes, sex, and time in safety that influences one-way avoidance behavior.

Keywords

• Roman rats
• Anxiety
• Avoidance
• Sex Differences