[The characteristics of exploratory behavior in Wistar rats in a permanent inhomogeneous magnetic field]

The influence of weak perturbations (up to 300 microT) in the natural magnetic field (MF) (induced by the introduction of three constant magnets) on the problem task solving in complex maze was studied in two groups of Wistar rats. Under the action of inhomogeneous magnetic field there were no spontaneous change of the orienting for the explorative activity independently of the individual in the presence of the organization of goal-directed behaviour. Instead of the expected explorative activity, the stable and deep locomotor depression developed after orienting in a new environment. Such a phenomenon was manifested only against the background of informational loading. Nevertheless, under these conditions a short external stimulations resulted in even faster rat learning than in the control animals. It is suggested that the MF characteristics play a crucial role in the transformation of the orienting (unconditioned activity) into the explorative (cognitive) activity.