Measurement of licking response execution in the rat

Two procedures for analysis of the licking response execution in rats are described. In both procedures, the pressure of the animal's tongue upon the water spout was transmitted on a pressure transducer and voltage analog of the licking response was analyzed. With the first arrangement, a signal averager was used and the licking response emission could be described in terms of time integral of force. In the second arrangement, an on-line computer was used and parameters of response duration, peak force, and interlick interval were added. Use of these measures in investigation of problems related to initiation, execution, and regulation of the licking response is discussed.