Effects of detention and illumination on rats' exploratory behavior in a two-box apparatus

The effects of detention and lighting intensity on the exploratory behavior of male Wistar rats have been investigated by means of several types of two-box apparatus. Experiments consisted of six consecutive daily trials. Step-through latency values were taken up to 180 sec. Even a very short detention (10 sec) within the starting box exerted a powerful inhibitory influence on the exploratory behavior of the subjects. Uniformly well-lighted surroundings (both boxes) exerted an equally powerful inhibitory influence on the same behavior. This inhibition was only slightly decreased by the availability of visual cues. Only in the apparatus in which at least one box was dark was the exploratory behavior well maintained. Both detention and bright lighting inhibited selectively the exploratory, locomotor behavior of these animals and did not inhibit other motor activities. In fact, groomings and attempts (abortive passages from one box into the other) were repeatedly performed during the increased step-through latency. These activities are discussed as indicators of a conflict between drives.