Conditioned Avoidance Behaviour induced by Low-Dose Neutron Exposure

Abstract

PREVIOUS studies have demonstrated that exposure to low-intensity γ- or X-rays over a period of 1 hr. or more leads to aversive behaviour in rats^1–4. The avoidance behaviour is a learned response dependent upon an association between discriminative stimuli and exposure to radiation. The most sensitive test developed so far involves the use of distinctive taste stimuli. Rats will normally consume saccharin-flavoured water in preference to tap water. However, if a rat tastes this solution during a 6-hr, exposure to gamma-rays, resulting in a total dose of 30 r., it will exhibit a marked decrement in preference for saccharin which persists for several weeks post-irradiation. In contrast, an animal which drinks tap water during a similar exposure will maintain the normal preference for the sacchari solution.