Date of Award
4-2002
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Jack L. Michael
Second Advisor
Dr. Alan Poling
Third Advisor
Dr. Lisa Baker
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Relative to their reinforcing and discriminative functions, the establishing operation (EO) function of drugs has received little attention from behavioral pharmacologists. This study investigated in rats the EO function of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) using a progressive-ratio (PR) 2 schedule of water delivery. Relative to vehicle control levels, Lower doses (1.0 and 1.8 mg/kp ip) had no effects, whereas the higher doses (3.2, 5.6 mg/kg ip) significantly decreased breaking points. In contrast to previous research, this study found no evidence that MDMA functioned as an EO for water. These results, along with findings from other studies using PR schedules, emphasize the need for caution when interpreting drug-induced changes in breaking points.
Recommended Citation
Laraway, Sean P., "The Motivational Effects of 3, 4-Methylendioxymethamphetamine on Responding Maintained by a Progressive-Ratio Schedule of Water Delivery" (2002). Masters Theses. 4689.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4689