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A Conditioned Place Preference Protocol for Measuring Incubation of Craving in Rats
Published on: November 6, 2018
Female rats exhibit a conditioned place preference for nonpaced mating
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
Hormones and Behavior
|October 6, 2006
Summary
Female rats developed a conditioned place preference (CPP) for mating areas, regardless of pacing. This suggests mating behavior is reinforcing, challenging previous research on female rat sexual motivation and conditioned place preference.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
- Reproductive Science
Background:
- Conditioned place preference (CPP) studies typically show paced mating induces preference in female rats.
- Previous research indicated nonpaced mating does not establish a CPP in female rats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reinforcing effects of paced and nonpaced mating behavior in female rats.
- To reevaluate the role of mating paradigms in establishing conditioned place preference.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Female rats received 15 intromissions (paced or nonpaced) from a single male over five sessions.
- Experiment 2: Assessed CPP with nonpaced mating, varying male replacement after ejaculation.
Main Results:
- Both paced and nonpaced mating by a single male induced CPP in female rats.
- Nonpaced mating induced CPP only when the same male completed all intromissions.
Conclusions:
- Mating behavior, irrespective of pacing, acts as a significant reinforcer for female rats.
- The identity of the male partner may influence the reinforcing properties of nonpaced mating.
