Peripheral Self-stimulation as a Reward

Abstract

SEVERAL species have been shown to operate switching devices spontaneously, as a result of which mild electric currents are delivered to selected parts of the brain through implanted electrodes. During the course of experiments with the rabbit, designed to determine the factors regulating this form of behaviour^1,2, evidence has been obtained which suggests that the rate of response is modified by peripheral stimuli. Attempts to confirm this finding by use of operant techniques involving electrical stimulation of peripheral organs such as the scrotum and cervix have, however, proved difficult in this species. In an alternative approach fish have been used in which peripheral receptors can be stimulated by an electric current passing through the water, thus obviating the need for implanted electrodes.