Subtle variations in living conditions influence behavioural response to d-amphetamine.
The influence of prior living conditions on behaviours related to the reinforcing properties of d-amphetamine was determined. Rats were housed either in bright light (BL) conditions at the top of a standard rack or in dim light (DL) conditions on the third row of the same rack. Although BL rats showed a higher locomotor response in the novel environment, they were less sensitive than DL rats to the locomotor activating effects of d-amphetamine. The groups did not differ in responding for a secondary reinforcer in a conditioned reinforcement paradigm. However, only in DL rats as the response for the secondary reinforcer enhanced by d-amphetamine. These findings indicate that subtle differences in housing conditions can influence behavioural responses to psychoactive drugs.
Exner
M
M
Department of Psychology, University of Reading, UK.
Clark
D
D
D000661:Amphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D006799:Housing, Animal; D008029:Lighting; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology
D000661:Amphetamine