Relaxation transfer in electrodermal activity as affected by a new minor tranquillizer (4306CB)

Four groups (n=6) were taken through two sessions of aversive instructed conditioning. Shocks (UCS) were administered by the subjects themselves each time the second-hand of a clock facing the S passed 6 and 12. The second-hand (CS) became visible 10 sec before the points of shock-administration. 45 min before the first session groups I and III received a placebo capsule, groups II and IV a 4306CB capsule. At the second session, group I was shifted to 4306CB and group II to placebo, while the other two groups received the same treatment as on session 1. Electrodermal reactivity was assessed in Log micro Mho units through phasic skin resistance response magnitudes (OR/CR, AR, UCR). In comparing the reactivity between the drug and placebo conditions of the first session, greater reactivity was found in the AR and UCR for the drug group. The shifted groups tended to increase their reactivity from session 1 to 2, while the non-shifted groups showed a corresponding tendency towards reduction of reactivity. This result suggests that the shift in treatment induces dissociative interference with relaxation transfer between sessions.This research was supported by a grant from the Social Science Research Council of Sweden.