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Kamin blocking is not disrupted by amphetamine in human subjects
N S Gray1, A D Pickering, J A Gray
1School of Psychology, University of Wales Cardiff, UK.
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Amphetamine did not affect Kamin blocking in healthy volunteers, contrary to predictions. This suggests Kamin blocking and latent inhibition may involve different cognitive processes, particularly in schizophrenia.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Kamin blocking and latent inhibition are learning phenomena.
- Amphetamine affects dopaminergic activity, influencing cognitive processes.
- Previous studies linked amphetamine to latent inhibition disruption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of D-amphetamine on Kamin blocking.
- To compare amphetamine's effects on Kamin blocking and latent inhibition.
- To explore the dopaminergic mediation of Kamin blocking.
Main Methods:
- Healthy volunteers received oral D-amphetamine (high or low dose).
- Kamin blocking effect was measured.
- Experimental conditions previously disrupted latent inhibition.
Main Results:
- D-amphetamine did not disrupt Kamin blocking at either dose.
- This contrasts with previous findings on latent inhibition.
- The results challenge hypotheses of shared dopaminergic mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Kamin blocking and latent inhibition may not share the same dopaminergic pathways.
- These cognitive processes might reflect different aspects of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.
- Further research is needed to differentiate their roles.