[Haloperidol does not alter a choice strategy for reinforcement value in cats]

Abstract

A blockade of the dopaminergic D1/D2 receptors by systemic administration of haloperidol (0.05-0.5 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent increase in inhibition of conditioned alimentary behavior in cats under conditions of choice between a valuable delayed reward and a less valuable immediate reward. Administration of haloperidol produced a progressive decrease in the number of effective instrumental reactions, but did not affect the choice between short- and long-latency reactions and their mean latencies. The data obtained do not support a hypothesis that the blockade of dopaminergic receptors shifts behavior towards impulsive reactions. The reasons why the results do not support the hypothesis are discussed.