Interrelated Effects of Dilantin and Electroconvulsive Shock upon One-Trial Reversal Learning in White Rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to isolate the effect of convulsions from electroconvulsive shock and to study the differential effects upon learning by white rats of 20 successive reversal problems. Convulsion is effectively controlled and prevented by the pharmacological pretreatment with Dilantin. Analysis indicates that convulsions and not the cranial electro-shock of 35 Ma at 0.2-sec. durations are responsible for the learning decrement that ensues. Also, Dilantin, if not followed by electroconvulsive shock may produce some slight detrimental effect on subsequent learning as well.