Selective breeding for negative contrast in consummatory behavior.
Rats showing either large or small reductions in licking following a shift from 32% to 4% sucrose were selectively bred for 7 generations. Rats from the 2 resulting lines reliably differed in successive negative contrast and in activity (radial-arm maze and open field). Differences in activity and contrast were not correlated. Heritability (h2) of the reaction to sucrose shift was reliable in the last 6 filial generations and equaled 0.64 in the F7 generation. The 2 lines did not differ (a) in response to the absolute rewarding value of sucrose or cocaine; (b) in open-field defecations or thigmotaxis; (c) in anticipatory contrast; or (d) in responsivity to midazolam. Responsivity to reward reduction may involve a relatively delimited psychological process that is amenable to selection.
Flaherty
C F
CF
Department of Psychology, Rutgers-State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick 08903.
Krauss
K L
KL
Rowan
G A
GA
Grigson
P S
PS
D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D003042:Cocaine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003214:Conditioning, Classical / Q000187:drug effects; D003259:Consummatory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D004326:Drinking / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000494:pharmacology; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D051381:Rats; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D012931:Social Environment; D013395:Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*
D013395:Sucrose; D003042:Cocaine; D008874:Midazolam