ISSN:
1432-2072
Keywords:
Conditioned Taste Aversions
;
Beta-Adrenergic Agonist
;
Beta-Adrenergic Antagonist
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Drug-induced stimulation or blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors in the lateral hypothalamus has been reported to enhance or reduce, respectively, the normally supressive affect of quinine adulteration on sweet milk consumption in rats. Subsequently, it was hypothesized that the beta-receptors may function analogously in the mediation of learned taste aversions. In order to test this hypothesis we conditioned rats to avoid a preferred aqueous solution of saccharin (0.1% w/v) by pairing it with a toxic injection of 0.4 molar lithium chloride (10 ml/kg i.p.). Three days later the rats were re-exposed to saccharin water 30 min after receiving a ventricular injection of either the beta-adrenergic agonist dl-isoproterenol hydrochloride (18 Μg) or the beta adrenergic antagonist dl-4-[2 hydroxy-3-isopropylaminopropoxy]-indole (32 Μg). As predicted, the beta-agonist further enhanced the avoidance of saccharin among animals already conditioned to avoid it, while the blocking agent attenuated the learned aversion. However, the influence of the drugs on drinking was similar among unconditioned control animals suggesting that their affects were independent of prior learning.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00421921
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