A novel fear conditioning memory model formation and erasing by foot-shock in tree shrew / 安徽医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the way of fear conditioning memory model evoked and erased by foot-shock in tree shrew. Methods First, detect the tree shrew activities regularly in light/dark box. Second, test a suitable voltage degree of foot shock on tree shrew. Third, investigate the memory formation and erasing of fear conditioning on tree shrew of trial group. Results The duration of tree shrew (n=4) stay in the dark-box was significantly lon-ger than that of in the light box (P<0. 01) in normal condition. In the same environment of two light boxes, given different voltage degrees, the durations of tree shrew (n=6) stay in the stimulating chamber gradually reduced and the durations of tree shrew stay had significant difference between stimulatus chamber and no stimulatus chamber when the stimulus voltage up to 12 V ( P<0. 05 ) , 16 V ( P<0. 01 ) and 20 V ( P<0. 01 ) . The animal of trial group ( n=4 ) could build up the fear conditioning memory of the dark box with the stimulus of 16 V foot-shock in the dark box ( P<0. 001 ) . After formation of the fear conditioning memory, the same stimulus in light box ap-peared for 4 days. The durations of tree shrew stay in trial group (n=4) decreased in light box, and there was no significant difference between the trial group and the control group. Conclusion Tree shrew prefers to stay in the dark box. The suitable voltage for foot-shock on tree shrew is 16 V. The fear conditioning memory can be evoked and erased by foot-shock.