Chlordiazepoxide increases the force of two topographically distinct operant responses in rats.
By using operant conditioning techniques one group of 8 rats was trained to reach through a hole in the wall of an operant chamber, and to exert downward responses on a force-sensing circular disk. Eight other rats learned to reach through the hole and grasp and pull toward them a wire bail attached to a force transducer. Both behaviors were maintained on a fixed ratio 20 schedule of water reinforcement. The effects of chlordiazepoxide (CDP, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 mg/kg) on response force and rate were assessed for both groups. CDP significantly increased response force in a dose-related manner in both groups; regardless of topography, response rate was little affected by the 2.5- and 5.0 mg/kg doses but was decreased by the highest dose. Results were discussed in terms of CDP's antipunishment and neuromuscular effects.
D000818:Animals; D002707:Chlordiazepoxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects
D002707:Chlordiazepoxide