[Relation between the frequency of self stimulation and stimulus duration and its correlation with the duration preferred by the animal].
The effect of duration of stimulus addressed to the lateral hypothalamus on self-stimulation (SS) frequency was studied in rabbits. In the first experimental series, durations preferred by the animals were determined. Histograms of pression durations were obtained, and modal (Tm) and mean (T mean) durations were assessed. In the second series, stimuli were used of fixed duration equal to Tm, T mean and multiples to them--longer and shorter impulse bursts. Three types of distribution histograms of pression durations were obtained, which differed from each other by the form of the envelop as well as by variation coefficients of deviation of self regulated durations from the mean (T mean). These parameters were of a character of individual differences independently from localization of the stimulating electrodes tips. SS frequency was maximal when stimulation durations were 2 Tm and 1/2-1/4 T mean. Prolongation or shortening of the stimulation led to weakening of its reinforcing effect. The concept is discussed of two-component mechanism of reaction to stimulation of the SS hypothalamic zones: motivational excitation against the background of current action and positive reinforcement in post-stimulation period.
D000818:Animals; D002682:Chinchilla; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D007026:Hypothalamic Area, Lateral / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D012653:Self Stimulation / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
Zavisimost' chastoty samostimuliatsii ot dlitel'nosti razdrazhaiushchikh stimulov i ee sootnoshenie s predpochitaemoĭ zhivotnymi dlitel'nostiu.