EFFECTS OF TELENCEPHALIC RADIOLESIONS ON LEARNING AND RETENTION IN THE PIGEON (COLUMBA LIVIA). APPENDIX II.
Abstract
Learning experiments were performed with 12 pigeons with restricted telencephalic lesions produced by means of high energy proton beams. The lesions were mainly placed at the level of the anterior commissure or slightly frontal to that level. The results of the learning experiments are discussed together with those of 7 earlier irradiated pigeons. Eleven pigeons showed normal learning ability and retention in comparison to non-irradiated pigeons. Out of the 3 remaining pigeons one showed decreased learning ability, 6 ones decreased retention and one finally decreased learning ability as well as decreased retention. It is concluded that 4 of the cases with decreased retention may be related to damages in the lateral forebrain bundles while the other cases are more obscure. The effects cannot with certainty be related to certain telencephalic structures. Neither can they in a simple way be related to the size of the lesions, although larger lesions than those obtained in this material may give other results. Observations on escape responses showed that the radiation brought about changes in this respect in 5 of the pigeons. Increased escape responses are believed to be the effect of (a) shock conditions after the radiation, (b) physiological changes during the development of the lesions or (c) possibly the situation of the lesions. Decreased escape responses may in one case be related to intersection of the occipito-mesencephalic tracts. Social responses to man were observed in three pigeons, which also showed decreased escape responses. It is suggested that the lesions are responsible for the latter phenomenon and thus they are only indirectly related to the development of social responses to man. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0635662
Entities
People
- Lennart Steen
Organizations
- Stockholm University