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Methodological problems in the analysis of behavioral tolerance in toxicology
1Section of Psychopharmacology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
Neurobehavioral Toxicology
|January 1, 1979
Summary
This study proposes new methods for analyzing drug tolerance in toxicology. It details strategies for understanding how behavior influences tolerance development over time.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Differential behavioral tolerance to drugs and chemicals is complex.
- Understanding tolerance requires examining treatment-behavior interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose methodological strategies for analyzing behavioral tolerance to drugs.
- To provide a framework for in-depth analysis of tolerance phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Analyzing data on differential behavioral tolerance.
- Proposing a sequential strategy to assess tolerance factors.
- Investigating treatment-behavior interactions and reinforcement density.
Main Results:
- Identified different relations between self-induced tolerance and treatment-behavior interactions.
- Highlighted the importance of acute behaviorally augmented tolerance.
- Emphasized the need to consider sensitization and long-term effects.
Conclusions:
- A sequential analytical strategy is crucial for understanding tolerance.
- Factors like testing conditions and reinforcement density significantly influence tolerance.
- Further research should consider coping responses and individual differences in tolerance development.
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