An easy method to record slow potential shifts (SPS) in rabbits using the "oddball" paradigm.
Rabbits with chronically implanted Ag-AgCl electrodes over somatosensory and visual cortex were trained to a modified 'oddball' paradigm with visual stimulation. Event related potentials (ERP) and slow potential shifts (SPS) were recorded. By means of a computer controlled stimulator 'frequent' and 'rare' LED flashes were administered to the eyes of the rabbit. If 'rare' stimuli were reinforced by a weak electrical footshock, negative SPS rose steeper and reached significantly higher amplitudes than in 'frequent' conditions without reinforcement. Different kinds of the follow-up of 'frequent' and 'rare' series were tested. Best effects were obtained, if a session was divided into 3 blocks (3 srs. 'frequent'--5 srs. 'rare' reinforced--2 srs. 'frequent' and probability of 'rare' flashes was 20%. Our present data formed a basis for investigations on the neuronal and glial sources of SPS in rabbits.
Richter
F
F
Institute of Physiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, G.D.R.
Haschke
W
W
Schmidt
D
D
Leichsenring
A
A
D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000502:physiology*; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D011817:Rabbits; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000502:physiology