PMID: 9189268Jun 1, 1997Paper

Analyses of response patterns clarify lead effects in olfactory reversal and extradimensional shift tasks: assessment of inhibitory control, associative ability, and memory

Behavioral Neuroscience
J A Hilson, B J Strupp

Abstract

Rats exposed to lead (Pb) chronically from conception were tested on (a) an olfactory serial reversal task and (b) an extradimensional shift (EDS) task. Pb exposure did not impair learning of the original olfactory discrimination but did impair learning of the 5 reversals and the EDS task. In the reversals, Pb exposure tended to shorten the initial period of persistent responding to the previously correct cue, but significantly prolonged the postperseverative learning phase (both the "chance" and "greater-than-chance" components). These effects are similar to those produced by lesions of the amygdala, a structure implicated in the process by which stimuli acquire incentive value. This similarity, coupled with the pattern of findings, suggests that Pb-induced impairment of reversal learning is due to a deficiency in learning the new contingencies of the task (an associative deficit), not inflexibility or deficient inhibitory control. These findings also illustrate the importance of analyzing the types of errors committed, rather than focusing solely on learning rate.

Citations

Jan 27, 2004·Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research·Michael S Lidow
Jan 27, 2004·Brain Research. Developmental Brain Research·Mathew H GendleBarbara J Strupp
Mar 17, 2004·Neurotoxicology and Teratology·Mathew H GendleBarbara J Strupp
Jul 27, 1999·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·B J Brockel, D A Cory-Slechta
Feb 27, 2003·Toxicology·M Luisa LeretM Teresa Antonio
Jun 7, 2000·Neurotoxicology and Teratology·R E MorganB J Strupp
Sep 7, 2000·Neurotoxicology and Teratology·P J BushnellD M Warburton
Nov 27, 1998·Neurotoxicology and Teratology·S A FergusonP H Siitonen
Apr 12, 2000·Neurotoxicology and Teratology·H GaravanB J Strupp
Dec 19, 2001·Environmental Health Perspectives·S L Schantz, J J Widholm
Sep 11, 2010·Environmental Health Perspectives·Paul A EubigSusan L Schantz

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