Force-proportional reinforcement: pimozide does not reduce rats' emission of higher forces for sweeter rewards

A two-step force-proportional reinforcement procedure was used to assess the efficacy of a sucrose reward under neuroleptic challenge. The force-proportional reinforcement method entails an increase in the quality of reward contingent upon higher force-emission. This paradigm was conceived as a rate-free means of addressing the putative anhedonic effects of dopaminergic receptor-blocking agents. Results failed to support the anhedonia interpretation of neuroleptic-induced response decrements: Pimozide did not diminish the ability of a high-concentration sucrose solution to maintain elevated response forces. Alternatives to the anhedonia interpretation were discussed with emphasis on the drug's motor effects in the temporal domain.