Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on performance on a progressive ratio schedule

Rationale

It has been suggested that streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes causes a motivational deficit in rodents. However, some of the evidence adduced in support of this suggestion may be interpreted in terms of a motor impairment rather than a motivational deficit.

Objective

This experiment examined the effect of STZ-induced diabetes on performance on a progressive ratio schedule. The data were analysed using a new model derived from Killeen’s (Behav Brain Sci 17:105–172, 1994) Mathematical Principles of Reinforcement model which enables the effects of interventions on motivation or incentive value to be separated from effects on motor function.

Method

Animals were trained under a progressive ratio schedule using food-pellet reinforcement. Then they received a single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg of STZ or the vehicle. Training continued for 30 sessions after treatment. Running and overall response rates in successive ratios were analysed using the new model, and estimates of the model’s parameters were compared between groups.

Results

The parameter expressing incentive value was reduced in the group treated with STZ, whereas the parameters expressing motor capacity and post-reinforcement pausing were not affected by the treatment. Blood glucose concentration was significantly elevated in the STZ-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group.

Conclusions

The results are consistent with the suggestion that STZ-induced diabetes is associated with a reduction of the incentive value of food.