Date of Award
8-1992
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Alan D. Poling
Second Advisor
Dr. Jack Michael
Third Advisor
Dr. William Redmon
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The physiological effects of (+) 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) have been studied extensively. The behavioral effects of MDMA, however, have not been examined in detail. In an attempt to gain further information about its behavioral effects, the acute and chronic effects of MDMA were examined in pigeons responding under a delayed-matching-to-sample procedure with 0-, 3-, and 6-s delays. In the absence of drug, accuracy (percentage o f correct responses) was inversely related to delay length. When administered pre-chronically, MDMA (0.32 to 5.6 mg/kg) decreased accuracy and response rates at higher doses. Tolerance developed following chronic exposure to 3.2 mg/kg. Performance did not deteriorate when the chronic regimen ended, indicating an absence of behavioral dependence on the drug.
Recommended Citation
LeSage, Mark, "MDMA and Memory: The Acute and Chronic Effects of MDMA in Pigeons Performing under a Delayed-Matching-to-Sample Procedure" (1992). Masters Theses. 863.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/863