Force-proportional reinforcement: pimozide does not reduce rats' emission of higher forces for sweeter rewards.
A two-step force-proportional reinforcement procedure was used to assess the efficacy of a sucrose reward under neuroleptic challenge. The force-proportional reinforcement method entails an increase in the quality of reward contingent upon higher force-emission. This paradigm was conceived as a rate-free means of addressing the putative anhedonic effects of dopaminergic receptor-blocking agents. Results failed to support the anhedonia interpretation of neuroleptic-induced response decrements: Pimozide did not diminish the ability of a high-concentration sucrose solution to maintain elevated response forces. Alternatives to the anhedonia interpretation were discussed with emphasis on the drug's motor effects in the temporal domain.
Kirkpatrick
M A
MA
Department of Psychology, University of Mississippi, University 38677.
Fowler
S C
SC
D000818:Animals; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D010868:Pimozide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013395:Sucrose / Q000494:pharmacology; D013649:Taste
D010868:Pimozide; D013395:Sucrose