Changes in sensitivity to electric foot shock were manipulated by subjecting 2 rats to 3 levels of water deprivation. Shock intensity was continuously titrated every 2 sec. through 20 increasing steps of alternating current. A bar-press reset the shock to its minimal value. The animals performed under conditions of 0, 21.5, and 45.5 hr. water deprivation. When water deprived, animals showed decreased sensitivity to shock. Frequency of bar-press responses at each of the 20 shock values served as the dependent measure. Findings were discussed in terms of competing techniques for measurement of analgesia.
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