Abstract
Previous experiments with the kindling paradigm involved a sequence of alternating unilateral stimulations of the amygdalae, and an “oscillation effect” was observed, that is, consistent low-latency values for convulsions elicited from one amygdala and consistent high-latency values for convulsions elicited by stimulation of the contralateral amygdala. In the present study the effect of site of placement of electrode was investigated in two experiments to evaluate the possibility that the oscillation tendency is due to the differential placement of the two electrodes. In two groups of rats, one electrode was placed in the amygdala and the other in the dorsal caudate-putamen. In Group 1 stimulation of the caudate-putamen came first; in Group 2, stimulation of the amygdala occurred in the initial phase. In a third group both electrodes were placed in the amygdalae. Oscillation patterns occurred in the three groups in the two experiments but not in the pattern suggested by the differential placement hypothesis. These results reinforce previous findings indicating that site of electrode placement is not the basis for the oscillation effect. The behavioral pattern observed during the development of kindling with caudate-putamen stimulation was strikingly different from that found with the amygdala: a sharp pull of the head in the ipsilateral direction and spastic jerks of the forepaws upon the onset of stimulation. With termination of the current, this behavior ceased. During the development of kindling, this behavioral pattern was partially or completely displaced as kindling behavioral stages became prominent.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Gaito, J. An oscillation effect during sequential alternations of unilateral amygdaloid stimulations within the kindling paradigm. Physiological Psychology, 1976, 4, 303–306.
Gaito, J., Nobrega, J. N., & Gaito, S. T. Statistical evaluation of several aspects concerning the oscillation effect. Physiological Psychology, 1978,6,209–214.
Goddard, G. V., McIntyre, D. C, & Leech, C. K. A permanent change in brain function resulting from daily electrical stimulation. Experimental Neurology, 1969, 25, 295–330.
McIntyre, D. C, & Goddard, G. V. Transfer, interference and spontaneous recovery of convulsions kindlged from the rat amygdala. Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 1973,35,533–543.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
The author wishes to thank José Nobrega for performing the histological analyses. This research was supported by a grant from the President’s NRC Fund (York University).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gaito, J. An experimental evaluation of the differential electrode placement hypothesis as the basis for the oscillation effect. Bull. Psychon. Soc. 14, 11–14 (1979). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329385
Received:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03329385