Efeitos do Isolamento Social na Adolescência de Ratos Sobre a Demanda Por Sacarose

Abstract

Adolescent social isolation is an adverse developmental event that has been associated with increased vulnerability to dependence on drugs such as alcohol, cocaine, and amphetamines. This effect of isolation has been explained by a change in the organism's sensitivity to reward stimuli. However, it is still unclear whether these effects would also be observed with non- pharmacological reinforcers. In the present study, male rats were raised in isolation or in groups and compared in their responses to sucrose (10% and 4% w/v) during adulthood. Sensitivity was analyzed using a quantitative demand model to assess whether isolation alters operant responses when the price (ratios) to access the reinforcer increases. Adolescent isolation did not alter locomotor activity or sensitivity to sucrose price compared to those raised in groups. These findings coincide with the literature indicating that isolation does not alter sensitivity to stimuli in a generalized manner, but depends on the type of reinforcer used, and highlight the importance of using quantitative models to analyze the mechanisms by which isolation can change rodent behavior.