THE HUMORAL FACTOR IN RADIATION-INDUCED MOTIVATION,
Abstract
According to the evidence now available, the motivational effect of irradiation, exhibited in various conditioned avoidance responses, has general characteristics whereby it can be differentiated from the prompt stimulatory effects of irradiation. However, prompt stimulatory effects resulting from 'high' rates of exposure (circa 3 R/min, and more) might contribute to non-neurogenic (humoral) motivational effects. Nevertheless, the motivational effect can be produced independently of neurogenic contributions. In one experiment, it was found that in rats temporarily deeply anesthetized during X-irradiation with 90 R (60 R/min), a conditioned aversion to saccharin-flavored fluid could be produced by providing a taste experience with saccharin in the postanesthesia-postexposure period. The preliminary findings in another study, still in progress, indicate that in rat pairs joined by a vascular, non-neural anastomosis, a saccharin aversion can be conditioned in the shamirradiated member following exposure of its partner to 360 R of X-rays (24 R/min). This constitutes positive evidence for a systemic humoral factor which can mediate radiation-induced motivation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0624151
Entities
People
- Donald J. Kimeldorf
- Edward L. Hunt
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory