Effect of cadmium chloride on the processes of learning and memory in rats

Intraperitoneal injection of cadmium chloride (4 mg/kg) to rats before elaboration or reproduction of two-way avoidance conditioned reflex (TACR) disturbs both these processes. Deterioration of elaboration does not affect connections fixation and their subsequent reproduction. Injection of the substance before the elaboration of passive avoidance conditioned reflex (PACR) depresses elaboration and consolidation. Injection of cadmium chloride before testing of PACR preservation does not influence the processes of engrams reproduction. The observed disturbances cannot be connected with changes of animals motor activity.