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Accession Number:
ADA114632
Title:
Investigation of Behaviorally Modified Rats for Use in Explosives Detection Systems
Descriptive Note:
Rept. for FY76-FY81
Corporate Author:
ARMY MOBILITY EQUIPMENT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMAND FORT BELVOIR VA
Report Date:
1981-12-01
Pagination or Media Count:
198.0
Abstract:
Experiments were devised to improve the reliability and versatility of that class of detector systems currently known as in vivo biosensors. The target substance of interest in this research was the military explosive TNT. The research was designed to prove the validity of four theses 1 Rats can detect TNT vapor via their olfactory function 2 Trained rats will operantly signal the arrival of TNT vapor at their nares 3 Rats may be trained en masse to function as biosensor detection systems 4 The electroencephalogram EEG of trained rats contains specific signals uniquely related to their awareness of TNT vapor. Albino male rats were equipped with four chronic indwelling brain electrodes, three of which were electroencephalograpgh EEG pick-off electrodes juxtaposed to the dura mater, while the fourth lead was a stimulus electrode embedded in the medial forebrain bundle MFB. Electrical brain stimulation EBS was applied to the MFB which has been termed a pleasure center, as a conditioning stimulus during training and reinforcement sessions. Subjects were first conditioned by operant methods to associate the presence of TNT vapors with EBS and to signal awareness of the target substances by treadle pressing. The four theses postulated above were proven individually. It has thus been demonstrated that properly conditioned rats can, in fact, be utilized as sensory elements in bio-sensor explosives detection systems.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
