Using a .1% solution of strychnine sulfate in normal saline, the shock avoidance lever pressing of 3 groups of Wistar rats was tested with the following pre-trial intraperitoneal injections: (1) 1 mg/kg of strychnine, (2) .5 mg/kg of strychnine and (3) 1 mg/kg of normal saline. Over four successive test days avoidance learning as measured by latencies and number of avoidances was significantly enhanced in the 1-mg/kg strychnine group as compared with the .5-mg/kg strychnine and saline groups. The latter two groups did not differ significantly from each other.
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