ISSN:
1432-2072
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Rats, 23 1/2 hrs. hungry, were trained to run a 5-ft. straight alley for food reward. After extensive training, they were tested for speed of response at varying doses of dl-amphetamine and reserpine. Both drugs produced decrements in performance of the response. In two additional experiments, similarly trained animals were tested for the effects of amphetamine and reserpine on inhibition which was induced by the addition of trials and by non-reinforcement. Amphetamine generally attenuated the effects of non-reinforcement. Reserpinized animals displayed behavior which was inhibited regardless of reinforcement conditions. These results suggest that amphetamine (an adrenergic stimulant) interferes with inhibitory mechanisms (i.e. disinhibits), allowing interference of irrelevant responses during performance, but attenuating extinction effects. Further, they suggest that reserpine (which depletes adrenergic substances) renders the organism non-resistant to inhibitory influences.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00405014
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