Abstract
The effects of pipradrol (5–15 mg/kg), methylphenidate (5–15 mg/kg), d-amphetamine (0.5–3.0 mg/kg), and nomifensine (5–15 mg/kg) on the acquisition of responding with conditioned reinforcement (CR) were examined. In preliminary training (phase 1), a panel-push was required for water-deprived rats to obtain access to a water-dipper. The presentation of the dipper occurred at variable intervals, independently of responding, and was preceded by a light stimulus. In phase 2, no water was available and presentation of light and empty dipper (CR) was contingent upon pressing one of two levers present (CR lever), according to a variable-ratio 2 schedule. Pressing the other lever had no effect (NCR lever). In Experiment I, pipradrol produced a dose-dependent increase in responding on the CR lever, but a dose-dependent decrease on the NCR lever. Methylphenidate and d-amphetamine produced inconsistent results, and nomifensine produced a general reduction in responding. The stimulation of responding by pipradrol transferred to the undrugged state, but previous experience with pipradrol outside the experimental setting did not increase responding during control sessions. Experiment II showed that the effects of repeated doses of pipradrol changed over sessions. Experiment III showed that 15 mg/kg pipradrol did not increase responding for the light and dipper stimuli when these had not previously been paired with water. The results suggest that pipradrol enhances the effects of conditioned reinforcers, and are discussed in terms of the other behavioral effects of ‘psychomotor stimulant’ drugs.
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Robbins, T.W. The acquisition of responding with conditioned reinforcement: Effects of pipradrol, methylphenidate, d-amphetamine, and nomifensine. Psychopharmacology 58, 79–87 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00426794
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00426794