[Characteristics of learning in Morris water maze in rats with ischemic injury of prefrontal areas of the cortex].

Photothrombosis of the vessels in the prefrontal areas of the rat cortex 20 days before learning leads to development of ischemic infarction in the exposed area with profound deficits in acquisition of the Morris water maze task: length of path and time of search of hidden-platform in water maze increased vs false-operated rats. It suggests prefrontal cortex involvement in spatial navigation.