[Effect of epileptagenic focus on the process of learning and memory in cats]

Investigations were performed on 13 cats with epileptogenic focus developed after sectioning the optic chiasm and corpus callosum. Learning was begun 3 months after producing the epileptogenic focus by the aluminium method when it was bioelectrically active. Additionally in 6 cats DPH in daily doses of 10--15 mg/kg was given 3 months after development of the focus. Learning of these animals was begun 1--2 months after the beginning of DPH administration which was continued throughout the whole period of learning during a 3-month pause in learning, as well as at the time of memory testing. In all animals the time of conditioned reflex development and differentiation was delayed. Learning was more difficult in animals with epileptogenic focus receiving DPH than in the animals with the epileptogenic focus not receiving DPH. Learning was slightly worse in the hemisphere with the focus than in that without the focus. Presence of clinical epileptic seizures was without any significant effect on the time of learning with the exception of days on which clinical seizures occurred (the percent of responses was then lower). Disturbances of memory of acquired conditioned reflexes were found only in animals with clinical seizures.