Effects of low-level septal stimulation on escape: Significance for limbic-midbrain interactions in pain.

Abstract

Continuous low-level septal stimulation had a significant facilitative effect on escape from footshock. Ss were 17 naive male hooded rats. The effect of septal stimulation on escape from aversive dorsal midbrain stimulation was either facilitative or the reverse depending on the S's predominating reaction to stimulation of the same septal site with currents high enough to produce either an approach ("positive") reaction, or an escape ("negative") reaction. While continuous low-level negative septal stimulation speeded centrally elicited escape, continuous low-level positive septal stimulation slowed escape. Findings are discussed in relation to the pain theory of R. Melzack. (29 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)