Learning Performance Retesting
Objective: To assess whether learning impairment occurs following REM sleep deprivation by retesting rats on an avoidance-learning task, and to determine if P-wave generator activation can prevent this impairment
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Equipment2
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Protocol Steps
Initial training on avoidance-learning task
Rats were trained on a two-way active avoidance-learning task
Active/Passive Avoidance Shuttle Box
Matches: Two-way active avoidance-learning task apparatus
Note: This training occurred before the experimental manipulation
View evidence from paper
“Rats were trained on a two-way active avoidance-learning task. Immediately thereafter, two groups of those rats received a control vehicle”
Microinjection administration
Immediately after training, rats received microinjections into the P-wave generator. Two groups received control saline (100 nl) and one group received carbachol (50 ng in 100 nl saline)
Note: Three experimental groups were created through this manipulation
View evidence from paper
“Immediately thereafter, two groups of those rats received a control vehicle (100 nl saline) microinjection and one group received a carbachol (50 ng in 100 nl saline) microinjection into the P-wave generator”
REM sleep deprivation with polygraphic recording
The carbachol-injected group and one of the two control saline microinjected groups were selectively deprived of REM sleep during a 6 hour polygraphic recording session
Note: Two groups underwent REM sleep deprivation (carbachol + deprivation, saline + deprivation). One control group received saline without deprivation
View evidence from paper
“The carbachol-injected group and one of the two control saline microinjected groups were selectively deprived of REM sleep during a 6 hr polygraphic recording session”
Retesting on avoidance-learning task
All rats were tested on the avoidance-learning task following the sleep deprivation or normal sleep period
Active/Passive Avoidance Shuttle Box
Matches: Two-way active avoidance-learning task apparatus
Note: This retest assessed learning performance and potential impairment from REM sleep deprivation
View evidence from paper
“All rats were then tested on the avoidance-learning task”