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| #90 Poster Session – BPH |
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 |
| 5:30 PM–7:00 PM |
| Exhibit Hall D (Hynes) |
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| 38. Behavioral Effects of OxyContin in the Rat: Acute and Short-Term Chronic Exposure |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| RACHEL GREY (Allegheny College), Rodney D. Clark (Allegheny College) |
| Abstract: Rats were trained to lever-press under an FR5 schedule of water presentation. Dose-response determinations were made for OxyContin (0.3, 1.0, 1.7, and 3.0 mg/kg). The rats were then exposed to interperitonial injections (1.0 mg/kg) of OxyContin four times daily at evenly space intervals for four consecutive days. Data were recorded and analyzed. OxyContin produced dose-related decreases in responding under acute conditions. Responding initially decreased for the first and second days under the chronic treatment. On the final two days of chronic treatment, responding was nearly equal to prechronic control levels. Withdrawal from chronic exposure lasted five consecutive days and produced decreases in responding for the first three days. |
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| 39. Stereo Selective Behavioral Effects of NMDA and NMLA in the Rat |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| SARAH ELIZABETH PACKOSKY (Allegneny College), Rodney D. Clark (Allegheny College) |
| Abstract: Rats were trained under a VI 10 sec. schedule of water presentation. Dose response determinations for NMDA (1.0, 10.0, 17.0, and 30.0 mg/kg) and NMLA (1.0, 10.0, 17.0 and 30.0 mg/kg) were obtained. Response rates decreased in a dose-dependant manner for the NMDA treatment. However, for the NMLA there were only slight decreases across the doses studied. Selected doses of the non-competative NMDA receptor antagonists MK-801 and Ketamine were concurrently administered with doses of NMDA or NMLA. |
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| 40. The Effect of Chronic MDMA on Delayed Matching-to-Sample Performance in Rats |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| DAVID N. HARPER (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand), Lincoln S. Hely (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand), Maree J. Hunt (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand), Susan Schenk (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand), Regan Wisnewski (Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand) |
| Abstract: There is some debate as to whether MDMA ("ecstasy") produces lasting memory-task impairments in non-human animals. The present study examined the effects of chronic MDMA exposure (at a level that produces notable neurological & behavioral changes) on pre-trained delayed matching-to-sample performance in rats. MDMA produced no effect on delayed matching-to-sample performance compared to saline controls. However, further testing demonstrated that MDMA-treated rats were considerably slower at acquiring a novel untrained delayed nonmatching-to-sample task. Therefore, MDMA produced a deficit with respect to acquisition of a new conditional discrimination rule rather than an impairment with respect to ongoing performance in an existing conditional discrimination task. |
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| 41. Failure to Observe Contingent Tolerance to Effects of Cocaine in Pigeons |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| JULIE A. MARUSICH (University of Florida), Marc N. Branch (University of Florida) |
| Abstract: The purpose of the present experiment was to investigate the development of tolerance to effects of cocaine administered before or after the experimental session. Pigeons' keypecking was reinforced under fixed ratio 20 (FR 20) schedule. Acute effects of cocaine were assessed. Subjects were divided into two matched groups, based on each subject's initial dose-response curve, and a dose of cocaine that produced a moderate rate decreasing effect on responding was administered daily either before the experimental session (Presession Group) or immediately after (Postsession Group) the experimental session. Tolerance to the effects of cocaine was observed in all subjects in the Presession Group, and in two of three subjects in the Postsession Group. Subjects in both groups were then switched to the opposite drug regimen. Only one subject developed further tolerance after being changed from postsession to presession administration. Subjects on postsession administration showed a loss of tolerance compared to that displayed after presession administration. |
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| 42. Effects of Chronic Nicotine and its Removal on Impulsive Choice |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| MATTHEW L. LOCEY (University of Florida), Bethany R. Raiff (University of Florida), Julie A. Marusich (University of Florida), Jesse Dallery (University of Florida) |
| Abstract: Recent research suggests that cigarette smokers are more impulsive than non-smokers. However, the extent to which nicotine affects impulsive choice remains unclear. The present study examined the effects of chronic nicotine on impulsive choice by using an adjusting delay procedure. Five rats chose between a delayed 3-pellet reinforcer and an immediate single pellet reinforcer. The delay to the 3-pellet reinforcer was adjusted until choice reflected indifference between the alternatives. After stable baseline responding, subjects were exposed to acute and then chronic nicotine administration. Dose-dependent increases in impulsivity under acute dosing were replaced by global, dose-independent, increases in impulsive choice following chronic administration. Nicotine administration was then terminated which resulted in an eventual return towards baseline levels of impulsivity. These findings suggest important implications for the effects of nicotine and its removal on impulsive choice. |
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| 43. Ethanol Effects on Experiential and Hypothetical Delay Discounting Procedures |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| BRADY A. REYNOLDS (University of Chicago), Jerry B Richards (University of Buffalo, State University of New York), Harriet DeWitt (University of Chicago) |
| Abstract: The Experiential Discounting Task (EDT) is a newly developed procedure for assessing state changes in delay discounting behavior. Unlike typical question-based delay discounting procedures, which involve delays and reinforcers beyond the experimental context, the EDT requires participants to experience choice-relevant consequences (delays and monetary reinforcers) during the measurement procedure. This procedural difference is expected to make the EDT more sensitive to state changes in discounting. In a preliminary study, participants (N=11) completed the EDT as well as a question-based delay discounting procedure and a drug-effects questionnaire following placebo or ethanol consumption (0.4 and 0.8 g/kg). Based on non-human research and anecdotal accounts it was hypothesized that ethanol would increase discounting. Alcohol dose-dependently increased ratings of feeling high and feeling drug. The doses of alcohol increased discounting on the EDT but not on the question-based procedure. These findings suggest that the EDT may be more sensitive to state changes in discounting, such as those induced by ethanol. |
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| 44. Human Methadone Self-administration: The Generalized Matiching Law and the Response-strength Equation |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| R. STOCKTON MAXWELL (Temple University), Ralph Spiga (Temple University), Richard A. Meisch (University of Texas), John Grabowski (University of Texas) |
| Abstract: Background: Herrnstein’s matching law, a quantitative model of choice, recently has been applied to drug self-administration in nonhumans. In humans the matching law has been applied only to choices for monetary but not drug reinforcers. In these studies estimates of important parameters of the Matching Law have not been robust. The present study examined whether in humans the generalized matching law describes the relation between relative responding and relative drug intake on concurrent variable interval variable interval schedules of drug reinforcement. Also examined was whether Herrnstein’s response-strength equation describes the relation between rate of response and rate of drug reinforcement.
Methods: Methadone-maintained patients stabilized on 80 mg per day of methadone were recruited and trained to button press for repeated deliveries of small volumes (10 ml) of 0.08 mg/ml methadone solution. In one phase deliveries of methadone or vehicle solution were arranged under concurrent variable interval variable interval (conc VIx VIx) schedules of reinforcement. The mean interval for the methadone and for the vehicle options was 60, 90, 120, 180, and 240s. During another phase responding on either of two buttons produced methadone solution. For the concurrently available standard option the mean interval was 60, 90, 120, 180 or 240s. For the concurrently available standard option the mean interval was a constant 120s.
Results: When methadone and vehicle were available methadone was preferred to vehicle. The response-strength equation described the relation between rate of response and rate of methadone delivery. When methadone was available at either option the generalized matching law described the relation between relative response allocation and methadone intake. The results extend the generality of the matching law to human drug self-administration. The study demonstrated the importance of reinforcement context as a determinant of human behavioral allocation. |
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| 45. Effects of THC on human free operant cooperative responding |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| DEBORAH ANNE HAAS (Temple University), Ralph Spiga (Temple University) |
| Abstract: Background: Marijuana (Delta-9 THC) effects conversational and aggressive behavior. This study examined effects of Delta-9 THC on human free-operant responding in two groups of marijuana smokers: regular and occasional users.Methods: The effects of THC (4, 8, &12 puffs of a 2.64% content cigarette) on human cooperative behavior were examined. THC or placebo was administered 30 minutes before the second of five trials. The four trials occurred at 30, 60, 90, & 120 minutes after drug or placebo administration. During the first of two alternating schedule components, the Alone component, button presses were maintained by a random interval (RI) 60-s schedule of point additions to a counter marked “Your Earnings”. During the second, Choice, component a concurrent RI 60-s RI 60-s schedule maintained button presses on two manipulanda. Participants were instructed that they were paired with another person and could earn points working with or independently of this person. Working together, the cooperative response, simultaneously produced points on counters marked “Your Earnings” and “Other’s Earnings.” Working independently on the concurrently available alternatives added points to the counter marked “Your Earnings.” The other person was computer simulated Results: The data shows that regular users were more likely to have a history of childhood conduct disorder, respond less cooperatively during baseline, and have smaller dose related increases in heart rate. Peak behavior effects occurred 30 min. after Delta-9 THC administration.
This research was supported by NIDA Grant # DA-06633 |
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| 46. Developing a Behavioral Procedure for Measuring CFF in Rats Exposed to Methylmercury on a Low and High DHA Diet |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| JOHN C. HEATH (Auburn University), M. Christopher Newland (Auburn University) |
| Abstract: Methylmercury has a detrimental effect on vision while DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, has an advantageous effect. Critical Fusion Frequency (CFF) is a standard method of testing for visual defects. Current methods of obtaining CFF in rats has been either a conditioned suppression technique, using startle response, surgical techniques to test specific areas of the visual cortex or methods to measure flash evoked potentials .A procedure was developed to measure CFF using positive reinforcement (food) and mild punishment (tone and blackout). This method enables developmental and age related testing without subjecting the rats to aversive stimuli that may have an effect on the results. Subjects, exposed to 0.0ppm, 0.5ppm, and 5.0ppm of methylmercury on either a high or low DHA diet, were tested on ascending and descending frequencies. Psychophysical curves were produced demonstrating the viability of this procedure. |
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| 47. Modulating Effects of Environmental Enrichment and Fatty Acids on Mercury-Induced Behavioral Alterations |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| ASHLEY FURR (College of Charleston), Alyssa Millard (College of Charleston), Lorie Sturtevant (College of Charleston), Erin B. Rasmussen (College of Charleston) |
| Abstract: The modulating roles of fatty acid diets and enriched environments were examined in animals prenatally exposed to the toxicant methlymercury. Female rats were exposed prenatally to 0 or 5 ppm methylmercury and low or high fatty acid diets. When the offspring were born, they were placed in either enriched environments or impoverished environments. In the enriched environment, pups were pair-housed for four months in transparent cages and interactive “toys” were added to the environment. In the impoverished environment, pups were housed individually in opaque cages with no interactive “toys”. The behavior of the offspring was examined at four months of age and has continued as they have aged. No differences attributable to mercury, diet, or enrichment were found in growth or in performance of differential reinforcement of high rate (DRH) 9:4 schedule, in which pressing a lever 9 times within four seconds produced sweetened water, at six to nine months. At a year and half, a significant main effect of diet and environment exists, but no mercury effects have been demonstrated. |
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| 48. Preliminary Affects of Abilify on Severe Problem Behavior Exhibited by Individuals with Emotional Disorders |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| CHRISTINE STRICKLAND (AdvoServ), Cori Morneau (AdvoServ), Tara Lieblein (AdvoServ), Cheryl L. Ecott (AdvoServ) |
| Abstract: Abilify is a relatively new anti-psychotic medication typically prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia (Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 2002). It has been prescribed occasionally for the treatment of severe problem behavior. At a private-residential school Abilify was prescribed for six individuals, four adolescents and two adults, who engaged in severe problem behaviors. An AB design was used to preliminarily identify the effects of Abilify on problem behavior. Severe problem behavior decreased for four of the six individuals. Overall, staff reported the use of more appropriate social skills for the individuals with whom the results suggested improved behavior.
Despite confounds in the current study because of other pharmacological and behavioral changes, an inability to utilize a reversal design due to the decrease in problem behavior for four individuals, potential ethical concerns, and limited research on the use of Abilify to treat severe problem behavior in adults and children (Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, 2002) the current study should prompt more research on the use of Abilify when treating individuals with emotional disorders. |
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| 49. Minimization of the Use of Psychotropic Medications in a Large Residential Facility |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| ROBERT VON HEYN (Judge Rotenberg Educational Center), Matthew L. Israel (Judge Rotenberg Educational Center), Timothy J. H. Paisey (Judge Rotenberg Educational Center), Patricia Rivera (Judge Rotenberg Educational Center), MaryEllen Kelley (Judge Rotenberg Educational Center) |
| Abstract: The Judge Rotenberg Educational Center, a residential treatment program, serves over 150 behaviorally disordered clients ranging in age from 7 to 45. Some residents had diagnoses of Mental Retardation or Autism and others had various DSM-IV-R diagnoses ranging from Conduct Disorder to Schizophrenia. The majority of the clients were admitted to the facility on one or more psychotropic medications. In nearly every case the clients were weaned off all of their psychotropic medications without any negative effect. On the contrary, most students exhibited positive effects such as a deceleration of their negative behaviors, weight loss and an increased ability to concentrate on academics. Treatment consisted of highly structured consistent behavioral programming across all settings, precision teaching, behavioral counseling and, in some cases, supplemented with court approved contingent skin shock. Frequency data were collected 24 hours a day on all behaviors targeted for deceleration. Data will be presented summarizing diagnoses, medications and the behavioral improvement seen across all clients. |
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| 50. Effects of Ritalin on the Disruptive Behavior of an Autistic Adolescent: A Structured Medication Evaluation |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| LAURA L. GROW (Marcus Autism Center), Robert LaRue (Marcus Autism Center), Joanna Lomas (Marcus Autism Center), Henry S. Roane (Marcus Autism Center) |
| Abstract: Children with diagnoses such as Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) frequently display problem behaviors such as aggression, self-stimulatory behavior and disruption. Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, are often prescribed to children who exhibit these behaviors as part of a behavior management plan. However, systematic medication assessments involving direct observation of behavior, rather than anecdotal information or rating scales are typically not conducted. In the current investigation, we conducted a formal medication evaluation to determine the effects of Ritalin on a child’s inappropriate behavior. Functional analysis conditions were conducted on and off Ritalin in a multielement within a reversal design. Results indicated that higher levels of aggression were observed in the demand condition while the child was on medication. However, higher rates of disruptive and spitting behaviors were observed while the child was off medication. Results also showed that engagement with toys during the toy play condition was lower when the child was on medication. These data may suggest that Ritalin may have served as an establishing operation for escape in the demand condition. This study suggests that formal medication assessments may assist in determining whether or not medication is necessary in the treatment of maladaptive behavior. |
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| 51. Using Precision Teaching to Increase Medication Knowledge in Adults Diagnosed with a Mental Illness |
| Area: BPH; Domain: Applied Research |
| STACI L. SAYLORS (University of the Pacific), Xeres Delmendo (University of the Pacific), Tina Hopson (University of the Pacific) |
| Abstract: The participants for this study will include independent adults diagnosed with a mental illness, as well as students and staff from a four year university who are not diagnosed with a mental illness. Precision teaching will be used to increase fluency of medication knowledge. The average length of time for 5 diagnosed and 5 undiagnosed participants to answer all medication knowledge questions will be collected to set initial time intervals for training. Once a participant has reached fluency, time intervals will be reduced by 5 seconds, until the participant is no longer reducing the number of errors. Results from the two populations will be compared. |
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