A behavioral method for the study of pain perception in the monkey

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Abstract
A behavioral method is described in which increasing intensities of shock are applied to the gasserian ganglion of alert monkeys via implanted electrodes. The animals reduce the intensity of the painful shock by pressing a lever, thereby regulating and maintaining a level of tolerated intensity. This level can be changed by altering the stimulus parameters, prolonging an experimental session, and administering a variety of drugs. Morphine induces the animal to find and maintain a higher level of tolerated intensity, and chlorpromazine and pentobarbital produce marked fluctuations in intensity tolerated, whereas methamphetamine and procaine produce a significant decrease in variability and a rise of the level. The relation of these findings to the problem of pain is discussed.

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