reward-summation function of the priming effect · reward-summation function of the priming effect...

Reward-Summation Function of the Priming Effect

Esthelle Ewusi-Boisvert

Concordia University

April 15th, 2016

Objective

•Examine the effect of priming on motivation

in rats

2

Motivation

•Goal-oriented behaviour

•Enhancement in vigor

(Salamone, Correa, Farra, & Mingote, 2007)

Priming effect

4

Sample RewardEnhancement in

motivation

Priming effect

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Sample RewardEnhancement in

motivation

Priming effect

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Sample RewardEnhancement in

motivation

(Gallistel et al., 1966)

8

(Gallistel, Stellar & Bubis, 1974)

(Gallistel, Stellar & Bubis, 1974)

Operant box paradigm

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Pulse Frequency (Hz)0

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0.5

Research Aim

•Using an operant paradigm, we examined

the effect of electrical priming stimulation on

the reward-summation function

13

Method

• Three male Long-Evans rats (N=3)

•2x9 within-subjects design

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High priming/Low

priming

Setup Lever

Reward Lever

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Pulse Frequency (Hz)

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0

1

0.5

Low

priming

150

trials

High

priming

150

trials

High

priming

150

trials

Low

priming

150

trials

DAY 1

DAY 2

Data Integrity and Analysis

•All data collected was analyzed

•Bootstrapping

•Smoothing spline

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Log Pulse Frequency

Subject 1

Log Pulse Frequency

Subject 2

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Subject 3

Log Pulse Frequency

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Me

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Re

spo

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Sp

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d Subject 1

Log Pulse Frequency

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d Subject 2

Log Pulse Frequency

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d Subject 3

Log Pulse Frequency

Limitations

•Variations in vigor

• Small sample size

25

Discussion

•Narrow gradations

•Dopamine depletion

•Relapse

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Future Directions

• Increase spacing

• Fixed Ratio Schedule

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Acknowledgements

•Dr. Wayne Brake

•Dr. Peter Shizgal

•Czarina Evangelista

•Kent Conover

• Steve Cabilio

• Sarah Nolan-Poupart

•Dr. Rex Kline

• Jason Payne

• Franz Villaruel

•CSBN28

Relapse

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30

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Log Pulse Frequency

Subject 3