Non-reproducibility of the behavioural effects induced by scotophobin

Protein Synthesis and Memory

“…For example, the route of injection (which can be intraperitoneal, intravenous, or intracerebral) does not seem to be of considerable importance, but it is possible that intraperitoneal administration requires higher doses than other types of injection. Even in a recent study using pure material, for example, Misslin, Ropartz, Ungerer, and Mandel (1978) found an effect only one time out of three. Animals which are either too young or too old do not seem to produce any effect when used as recipients .…”

“…A more precise explanation of the mechanism of action of scotophobin was recently given by Misslin et al (1978). Using an open-field test, these authors found differences in the emotionality of the scotophobin-treated animals: treated subjects showed less emotional reactivity than the controls.…”

An ambitious editorial policy

“…Indeed, a few years later, a laboratory in Strasbourg showed that scotophobin reduced the stress level of the animals, whatever the origin of the stress, which explained the results of darkness avoidance by the mice [3]. This is because mice become active at night and prefer darkness, especially if they are emotional and fearful.…”

“…But not all of them. Apparently it depended on the mouse line [3]. Already, in his reader's article, Walter questioned whether the test really reflected transfer learning.…”

“…Mais pas tous. Apparemment cela dépendait de la lignée de souris [3]. Déjà, dans son article de lecteur, Walter se demandait si le test reflétait bien un transfert d'apprentissage.…”