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Evidence for dopamine involvement in reinforcement obtained using a latent extinction paradigm
1Department of Psychology, University of Illinois, Chicago 60680.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Neuroleptic treatment with haloperidol may reduce the rewarding effects of food. Rats treated with haloperidol showed slower responses to food rewards, suggesting a blunted expectation of reward.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Neuroleptic medications are used to treat psychosis.
- Their impact on reward pathways is not fully understood.
- The anhedonia theory suggests neuroleptics cause a reduced capacity for pleasure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if neuroleptic treatment blunts the reinforcing properties of food.
- To examine the effect of haloperidol on reward expectation in rats.
Main Methods:
- A modified latent extinction paradigm was used.
- Rats were trained on a runway for food reward.
- Haloperidol was administered, followed by reinforced placements into either the goal box or a neutral cage.
Main Results:
- Rats receiving goal box placements showed slower run speeds during subsequent trials.
- This indicates a reduced expectation of reward in haloperidol-treated rats.
Conclusions:
- Haloperidol treatment appears to diminish the reinforcing effects of food.
- Findings support the anhedonia theory of neuroleptic action.