Acquisition and extinction of a conditioned passive avoidance reflex in mice with genetic knockout of monoamine oxidase A.

We report here the results obtained from comparative analysis of learning and the dynamics of extinction of a conditioned passive avoidance response in mice with genetic knockout of monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) and the progenitor line C3H. Mice of both lines acquired the conditioned passive avoidance reaction efficiently. Mice with genetic knockout of MAO A were characterized by prolonged retention of reproduction of the memory trace, as compared with rapid extinction in C3H mice. Smaller numbers of transfers, and vertical rearings on days 7-13 and the numbers of glances into and rom the dark sector on days 11-13 of extinction in MAO A-knockout mice appear to reflect their more marked fear reactions when confronted with the "dangerous" sector, along with increased anxiety, these facilitating longer-lasting retention of the memory trace.