Age-related differences in the effects of d-amphetamine and illumination on fixed-interval responding of rats

The effects of d-amphetamine (0.0, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/kg) on fixed-interval responding in light and dark sensory conditions were examined in rats that were 25, 100, and 200-days-old at the beginning of the experiment. In the youngest and oldest groups, the drug increased responding in light more than in dark. The drug increased responding of the middle age group in the light, but decreased operant rates in the dark. These data appear to support the notion that d-amphetamine reduces the effects of ambient light on behavior in rats.