Effects of phencyclidine on active avoidance and escape in rats

Rats trained to avoid electrical shock in a shuttle box were given phencyclidine (0.0, 1.0, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg) prior to testing for 5 consecutive days. There was a dose-dependent increase in both avoidance and escape failures although animals continued to cross the barrier during intertrial intervals, indicating that they were capable of making the appropriate response. Little evidence of tolerance was found during the 5-day testing period.