Changes in reinforcing properties of stimuli following ablation of the amygdaloid complex in monkeys.

Abstract

Amygdalectomized and sham-operated monkeys were tested in a bar-pressing situation under a fixed-interval schedule, using different amounts of food reward. Amygdalectomy depressed responsiveness to shifts in amount of reward and decreased decrements in response during test sessions. Explanations in terms of a reduction in emotional responsiveness, and in terms of impairment on generalization functions, are discussed. From Psyc Abstracts 36:01:1DC88S. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)