Effects of Glutamic Acid on Operant Behavior, Activity, and Open-Field Behavior in Rats

Abstract

The current study examined the effects of dietary administration of glutamic acid and/or Vitmin B0 on operant behavior, activity, and open-field behavior in rats. Compared to controls, experimental subjects showed prolonged extinction of the lever-press task and entered more squares in the open-field. Experimental groups did not differ among themselves on these measures. No differences between experimental groups and controls were found for acquisition of the lever-press response, activity measured on an activity wheel, and number of defecations in the open-field. Results were partially supportive of previous studies showing significant effects of peripherally administered glutamic acid on measures of operant behavior.