Dictionary of Biological Psychology
The phenomenon in which an experimental animal (typically a rat) turns in circles (ROTATION) under the control of a CONDITIONED STIMULUS. It has been described in two circumstances.
(1) Thirsty rats are trained by OPERANT CONDITIONING to turn selectively in one direction for water REWARD. The ability to initiate rotation in the CONTRALATERAL direction is abolished by a LESION of the NIGROSTRIATAL DOPAMINE SYSTEM. (2) If rats with unilateral nigrostriatal lesions are tested for drug-induced rotation in a specific environment, that environment will subsequently elicit rotation in the non-drugged animal by associative conditioning.
See also: place conditioning
STEPHEN B.DUNNETT
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