ABSTRACT
Sensitization is a ubiquitous biological phenomenon, seen in the long-lasting increase in response to same or weaker stimuli following presentation of a strong stimulus. Sensitization has been used to describe the enhancement of reflexive responses following their repeated elicitation (e.g., Groves & Thompson, 1970), the increased behavioral and biochemical responsiveness to drugs (e.g., Robinson & Becker, 1986) and stressors (e.g., Anisman & Sklar, 1979) following their initial presentation, the growth in the response to repeated epileptic discharge (e.g., Post, Weiss, & Pert, 1988), and the increased responsivity of the immune system following initial exposure to an antigen (e.g., Cooper, 1980). Antelman (1988) has argued that sensitization may be a property of cells, a simple form of memory that is manifested as a more rapid and larger response to a strong stimulus following its intermittent exposure.
