Fig. 3: Additional tests for avoidance persistence.
From: Prolonged avoidance training exacerbates OCD-like behaviors in a rodent model
a Rats classified as persistent avoiders in Test 1 were given additional tests for avoidance. b1 Simply re-testing the rats one hour later with the barrier still absent reduced avoidance in the 8d group but not in the 20d group. b2 Re-testing a different subset of rats one hour later with the barrier placed in the adjacent corner (without blocking the platform) reduced avoidance in the 20d group, suggesting that the barrier acted as a contextual occasion setter signaling safety. c With both the barrier and platform removed, rats in the 20d (but not the 8d) group spent excessive time where the platform had been located, suggesting persistent avoidance. Test 1, 8d: n = 12; 20d: n = 31. Test 2 (no barrier), 8d: n = 5; 20d: n = 14; Barrier (away from the platform), 8d: n = 7; 20d: n = 17. Test 3 (no platform), 8d: n = 8; 20d: n = 5. All data are shown as mean ± SEM. **p < 0.01 between group differences; ++p < 0.01 within group differences as compared with their Test 1.
