NONCONDITIONABILITY OF FLEXOR REFLEX IN CHRONIC SPINAL DOG

Attempted to classically condition the flexor reflex of 3 adult dogs upon whom a complete lower thoracic spinal transection was performed 12-15 mo. prior to the experiment. The CS consisted of a pulsatory pressure to the tail, a demonstrable and quantifiable neutral stimulus. A maximum of 2500 conditioning and 500 test trials yielded no recordable CRs. No CRs were elicited in sessions in which the sensitivity of the flexor reflex was increased by subcutaneous injections of .066 mg/kg of strychnine sulfate. The integrity of supraspinal as well as intraspinal pathways is necessary for classical conditioning of a spinal reflex. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.