Effect of High Ambient Temperature on Discriminated Avoidance

Abstract

4 rats were trained to bar press to avoid electric shock during a 5-sec. presentation of a buzzer. Following baseline training, the intertrial intervals (7.5, 15, and 30 sec.), the shock intensity (0.5, 2.0, and 4.0 ma.), and the ambient temperature conditions (25° C and 35° C) were varied. The animals were exposed to all conditions twice. Rectal temperatures were measured pre- and post-session. No statistically significant changes in the frequency of avoidance responses or shocks received in the heat were observed at each intertrial interval tested. Rectal temperature increased as a function of heat exposure and shock intensity although there was no significant interaction between these variables.