Elsevier

Behavioural Brain Research

Volume 208, Issue 1, 17 March 2010, Pages 270-273
Behavioural Brain Research

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Effects of acute amphetamine exposure on two kinds of Pavlovian approach behavior

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2009.11.014Get rights and content

Abstract

Two kinds of Pavlovian conditioned approach behavior are possible: approach of the CS (sign-tracking) and approach of the US (goal-tracking). We hypothesized that administration of AMP would increase sign-tracking and decrease goal-tracking. However, increasing doses of AMP (up to 2.0 mg/kg) decreased measures of sign-tracking while simultaneously increasing measures of goal-tracking. Administration of AMP may shift responding from cues distant from the CS to cues closer to the CS.

Section snippets

Differential effects of amphetamine on sign-tracking and goal-tracking

A Pavlovian conditioned appetitive approach or autoshaping procedure typically involves presentation of a conditioned stimulus (CS) which is followed shortly afterward with presentation of an unconditioned stimulus (US) such as food. In such a procedure, the response of approaching or contacting the CS typically develops even though doing so does not affect US presentation [2], or in some cases, reduces or eliminates exposure to the appetitive US [7]. As Pavlovian conditioned responses have

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by NIDA Grants to Charles O’Brien and Laura Peoples. We thank Alexis Simpson for technical assistance.

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