Date of Award
12-2006
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Alan D. Poling
Second Advisor
Dr. Lisa Baker
Third Advisor
Dr. Richard Mallot
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
The effects of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) on the autoshaped keypeck responding of pigeons were investigated. Separate groups of six birds received 0, 200, or 400 mg/kg prior to 15 consecutive sessions; a fourth group received 600 mg/kg, but exposure ended after 9 sessions because this dose produced general incapacitation. GHB at 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced the percentage of trials with a response and total responses relative to levels obtained in control (0 mg/kg) subjects, suggesting that the drug interfered with learning. When exposure to GHB ended, 15 consecutive autoshaping sessions were conducted. Over the course of these sessions, performance in the 200 and 400 mg/kg groups reached levels similar to those observed in control birds, indicating that the disruptive effects of GHB are reversible .. These findings are consistent with the results of previous research, which demonstrate that GHB disrupts learning and performance in a variety of assays.
Recommended Citation
Morgan-Paisley, Kineta Lynn, "Behavioral Effects of Different Doses of Gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) on the AutoShaped Responding of Pigeons" (2006). Masters Theses. 3598.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3598