The participation of pharyngo-oesophageal thermoreception in the formation of water-reinforced instrumental conditioned reflex
Zajac, M.; Wasiak, M.; Kaczanowska, E.
Acta Physiologica Polonica 33(1-2): 7-13
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0044-6033
PMID: 7158383
Accession: 006731364
In 79 rats with chronically implanted gastric tubules or thermodes, the participation of pharyngo-esophageal thermoreception was investigated in the process of development of a water-reinforced conditioned instrumental reflex. Only cooling of the pharynx and esophagus was an effective stimulus reinforcing instrumental conditioning. The conditioned reflex could not be developed when the reinforcing stimulus was the sensation of warmth in the throat and esophagus, and gastrointestinal interoception. Perhaps cold thermoreception in the area of the throat and esophagus acquired its reinforcing character through conditioning.