THE ACUTE EFFECTS OF CAFFEINE, COCAINE AND D-AMPHETAMINE ON THE REPEATED ACQUISITION RESPONDING OF PIGEONS

The acute effects of caffeine, cocaine and d-amphetamine on the repeated acquisition of a four-response chain were investigated in pigeons. Subjects responded on three response keys under different predetermined sequences. Food was presented upon the completion of the four-response sequence under a fixed-ratio schedule. Incorrect responses resulted in a five-second timeout. No consistent increases in within session percent correct were observed following caffeine or d-amphetamine administration. However, cocaine (1.0 mg/kg) did produce consistent increases in within session percent correct. At higher doses of cocaine, d-amphetamine and caffeine the effects observed were similar in that there was a decrease in response rate and percent correct. The drugs did differ in the dose (potency) which decreased response rate and percent correct. Following all three drugs if percent correct was decreased there was a concurrent decrease in response rate. © 1990.