Two-Way Active Avoidance Learning Task
Objective: To test whether experimentally induced P-wave generator activation could eliminate the learning impairment produced by post-training REM sleep deprivation in rats trained on a two-way active avoidance-learning task
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Equipment2
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Protocol Steps
Initial training on two-way active avoidance 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: Training occurred before microinjection and sleep 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. Group 1: control saline (100 nl), Group 2: control saline (100 nl), Group 3: carbachol (50 ng in 100 nl saline)
Note: Three experimental groups were created with different microinjection treatments
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 and 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. One control saline group was allowed to sleep normally
Note: Selective REM sleep deprivation was performed while recording physiological signals
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”
Behavioral testing on avoidance-learning task
All rats were tested on the avoidance-learning task following the sleep manipulation period
Active/Passive Avoidance Shuttle Box
Matches: Two-way active avoidance-learning task apparatus
Note: Testing assessed learning and memory performance after the experimental manipulations
View evidence from paper
“All rats were then tested on the avoidance-learning task”