Random activity of the rat during food deprivation as a function of environmental conditions.

Abstract

Activity was measured in 2 groups of rats as they were subjected to "terminal deprivation." One group, located in a well-trafficked laboratory, showed an increase in activity to a maximum of about 400% of the predeprivation level; the other group, housed in an unchanging environment, showed a slight initial decrement followed by a rise to a maximum of 170% of the predeprivation level. " . . . activity during deprivation . . . [may reflect] the interaction of lowered response thresholds with the cessation of eating behavior and the extinction of food-seeking behavior." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)