Performance characteristics of conditioned blood pressure elevations in the baboon.
Operant conditioning of diastolic blood pressure elevation was accomplished in six baboons (Papio sp.) by a procedure using food delivery when diastolic pressure was maintained above a prespecified level, and shock delivery when diastolic pressure remained below that level. Data from steady-state performance indicated a rise in diastolic pressure by a median 22 mm Hg when the daily session was begun. Elevated levels of diastolic blood pressure and low shock frequencies were maintained throughout the 12-hour session. The frequency and duration of shifts in diastolic pressure to below criterion level were found to be variable during the first 1-2 hours but were stable throughout the remainder of the session. Heart rate had a phasic temporal pattern over the 12-hour session, characterized for most subjects by a rate increase at session onset followed by a rate decrease. Analysis of individual performance records showed that the blood pressure increases could occur without concomitant elevations in heart rate.
D000818:Animals; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003216:Conditioning, Operant / Q000502:physiology*; D003971:Diastole; D004597:Electroshock; D005502:Food; D006339:Heart Rate; D008297:Male; D010215:Papio / Q000502:physiology*