Superior colliculus lesions and environmental experience: nonvisual effects on problem solving and locomotor activity.

Bilateral lesions of the superior colliculus were produced in rats reared in either a restricted or complex environment. Problem solving ability in a Hebb-Williams closed field and activity in an open field were subsequently observed in conditions of either bright or dim illumination. Animals with superior colliculus lesions were deficient in problem solving ability and were hyperactive in the open field. Complex environment exposure during development increased problem solving ability and initial ambulation scores in all groups. Extent of pretectal damage and behavioral measures were significantly related for animals reared in the complex, but not in the restricted environment. There were no interactions with illumination level, suggesting that the deficits resulting from collicular lesions are not dependent upon the availability of visual cues.