Impact of d-amphetamine on temporal estimation in pigeons tested with a production procedure

Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1997 Oct;58(2):323-7. doi: 10.1016/s0091-3057(97)00296-7.

Abstract

The influence of d-amphetamine on timing in pigeons was examined with a production procedure. Birds were trained with a fixed time schedule in which food reinforcement was contingent on the first response made after a duration signal had appeared for 30 s. Probe tests involved trials in which the duration signal was extended to 90 s and reinforcement was omitted. In Experiment 1, 2.0 mg/kg d-amphetamine shifted peak responding to a duration shorter than that found with saline. In Experiment 2, the dose-response function for this drug effect was examined. A 0.3-mg/kg dose of d-amphetamine had no impact on performance, but a 1.0-mg/kg dose shifted the peak duration significantly relative to saline; a 2.0-mg/kg dose shifted the function even more. These results complement previous findings with rats tested with the peak procedure and pigeons tested with a discrimination procedure.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants / pharmacology*
  • Columbidae
  • Dextroamphetamine / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Time Perception / drug effects*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Dextroamphetamine