Cross-generalization between an ethologically [correction of ecologically] relevant stimulus and a pentylenetetrazole-discriminative cue.
Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained in a two-choice pentylenetetrazole vs. saline drug discrimination (DD) task under an FR10 schedule of food reinforcement. Two-minute reinforced test sessions with the two training stimuli engendered exclusive injection-appropriate responding. Rats were injected with saline and then exposed for 20 min to the presence of a domestic cat pretreated with catnip. Immediately following the predator exposure, rats were tested for stimulus generalization in the DD task. The predator/prey interaction engendered 92% PTZ-appropriate responding. These data suggest that the interoceptive state associated with species-specific defense reactions in rats is similar to the cues produced by a pharmacological agent within a behavioral assay which has been suggested as an animal model of human anxiety.
Gauvin
D V
DV
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City 73190.
Holloway
F A
FA
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D002415:Cats; D003463:Cues; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological / Q000187:drug effects*; D005795:Generalization, Stimulus / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D010433:Pentylenetetrazole / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule
D010433:Pentylenetetrazole