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The effects of amphetamine sensitization on conditioned inhibition during a Pavlovian–instrumental transfer task in rats

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Abstract

Rationale

Psychostimulant sensitization heightens behavioral and motivational responses to reward-associated stimuli; however, its effects on stimuli associated with reward absence are less understood.

Objectives

We examined whether amphetamine sensitization alters performance during Pavlovian–instrumental transfer (PIT) to conditioned excitors and inhibitors. We further sought to characterize the effects of amphetamine sensitization on learning versus performance by exposing rats to amphetamine prior to Pavlovian training or between training and test.

Methods

Adult male Long–Evans rats were given conditioned inhibition (A+/AX−) and Pavlovian (B+) training, followed by variable-interval instrumental conditioning. Rats were sensitized to d-amphetamine (2 mg/kg daily injections for 7 days) or served as non-exposed controls. Rats were given a PIT test, in which they were presented with stimulus B alone or in compound with the conditioned inhibitor (BX).

Results

During the PIT test, control rats significantly reduced instrumental responding on BX trials (to approximately 50 % of responding to B). Amphetamine sensitization prior to Pavlovian conditioning increased lever pressing on BX trials and reduced lever pressing on B trials compared to controls. Amphetamine sensitization between training and test increased lever pressing on B and BX trials compared to controls. No effects of sensitization were observed on conditioned food cup approach.

Conclusions

Amphetamine sensitization increases instrumental responding during PIT to a conditioned inhibitor by enhancing the excitation of conditioned stimuli and reducing the inhibition of conditioned inhibitors.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by grant 026559 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. I would like to thank Joan Morrell and Julia Basso for assistance with collecting locomotor activity data. All experiments comply with current laws in the USA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 101 Warren Street, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA

    Michael W. Shiflett, Meaghan Riccie & RoseMarie DiMatteo

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  1. Michael W. Shiflett
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  2. Meaghan Riccie
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  3. RoseMarie DiMatteo
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Correspondence to Michael W. Shiflett.

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Shiflett, M.W., Riccie, M. & DiMatteo, R. The effects of amphetamine sensitization on conditioned inhibition during a Pavlovian–instrumental transfer task in rats. Psychopharmacology 230, 137–147 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3144-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-013-3144-3

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