Choice behavior in rhesus monkeys: cocaine versus food

Science. 1978 Aug 11;201(4355):534-5. doi: 10.1126/science.96531.

Abstract

Rhesus monkeys were allowed to choose between intravenous injections of cocaine and food reinforcement for lever pressing. A choice trial was available every 15 minutes continuously for 8 days. The animals chose cocaine almost exclusively, which resulted in high cocaine intake, decreased food intake, weight loss, and marked behavioral toxicity. The study provides evidence of the reinforcing efficacy of cocaine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Body Weight
  • Choice Behavior / drug effects*
  • Cocaine / pharmacology*
  • Decision Making / drug effects*
  • Feeding Behavior / drug effects*
  • Haplorhini
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Posture
  • Reinforcement, Psychology*

Substances

  • Cocaine