A GENETIC AND MOLECULAR STUDY OF LEARNING-PROCESSES IN RATS

Using the conditioned feeding reflex model, a polymorphism for the rat e of formation of this response was identified in a population of labo ratory animals. Selection for high and low rate of the formation of th is reflex resulted in significant differences in this character betwee n two strains by the second generation. These differences were maintai ned in subsequent generations. Heterogeneity for the rate of the forma tion of conditioned response in the population is shown to be genetica lly determined. The RNA-dependent DNA-polymerase activity in the hippo campus of fast-learning rats exceeds twofold that in slow-learning rat s, while the rates of the DNA-dependent DNA-polymerase activities are similar. A significant increase in RNA-dependent DNA-polymerase only w as found in the hippocampus of rats 20 min after training for the cond itioned food response before the trace consolidation registered 40 min after the training session.