Abstract
The freely-moving rat model of eyeblink conditioning has been gaining popularity as a model of associative learning. The most commonly used preparation uses subcutaneous electrodes to deliver the unconditioned stimulus (US), which has usually been a 60-Hz electrical shock. However, measurement of the unconditioned response (UR) has been controversial, because the US (SHOCK) interferes with electromyograph (EMG) activity if measured shortly after US delivery. Here, we present a modification of eyeblink conditioning in the freely-moving rat that uses a square-wave stimulation as the US. Videographic evidence demonstrated that use of stimulation allowed eyelid opening to be evaluated in EMG activity. A parametric study demonstrated that: (1) the stimulation US supported acquisition of the eyeblink conditioned response (CR); (2) stimulation intensity was reflected in UR amplitude; and; (3) UR amplitude decreased with acquisition of the eyeblink CR. The stimulation US fulfils the basic criteria for a US, while allowing delivery of the US through subcutaneous electrodes. Thus, the stimulation US is a viable alternative for eyeblink conditioning in the freely-moving rat preparation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 35-42 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Journal of Neuroscience Methods |
| Volume | 102 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 15 2000 |
Keywords
- Classical conditioning
- Eyeblink
- Intensity
- Pavlovian
- Unconditioned response
- Unconditioned stimulus
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