Cocaine: Acute effects of reinforcement thresholds for self-stimulation behavior to the medial forebrain bundle☆

https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(78)90082-5Get rights and content

Abstract

Reinforcing thresholds for self-stimulation behavior to the medial forebrain bundle were determined in rats by means of a rate-free psychophysical method. The acute administration of cocaine lowered the reinforcing thresholds independent of motor stimulatory effects. These results indicate that cocaine affects the sensitivity of the reward pathways in the brain, and further demonstrate the utility of rate-independent methods in the assessment of drug effects on self-stimulation behavior.

References (13)

There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (0)

☆

Supported in part by grant MH 12568 from NIMH and in part by grant DA 00377 from NIDA.

2

This paper is based on an honors thesis submitted by A.H.D.M. in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in the Department of Psychology, Boston University.

3

Career Scientist Awardee MH 1759.

View full text
Copyright © 1978 Published by Elsevier Inc.