Title
Extinction-induced mirror responding as a baseline for studying drug effects on aggression
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-1976
Abstract
Pigeons worked individually in a chamber containing a response key and a mirror. Responding on the key was controlled by a multiple schedule in which a brief period of continuous food reinforcement alternated with a 5 min period of extinction. Under baseline conditions, aggressive behavior (responding on the mirror) occured at the onset of each extinction period. After 10 saline control sessions, 5 mg/kg of chlordiazepoxide was injected IM 30 min pressesion for 60 daily sessions. The drug initially produced a marked decrease in aggressive behavior but had little or no effect on key pecking. The aggressive behavior generally remained suppressed during the chronic drug regimen and returned to control levels when the drug was withdrawn. It was concluded that the technique of extinction-induced mirror responding in pigeons provides a stable, sensitive and recoverable baseline for objectively assessing selective drug effects on aggression. © 1976.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior
First Page
99
Last Page
102
Recommended Citation
Moore, M., Lawrence Tychsen, R., & Thompson, D. (1976). Extinction-induced mirror responding as a baseline for studying drug effects on aggression. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 4 (1), 99-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-3057(76)90181-7