Abstract
Adrenalectomized rats were given access to corticosterone-supplemented (20 μg/ml) and-unsupplemented saline (0.9% NaCl) in two separate bottles and preferences were measured for each. Half of the rats received corticosterone in maple-flavored saline (MAPLE group), while the other half received corticosterone in anise-flavored saline (ANISE group). Each rat also received unsupplemented saline in the alternate flavor. After an initial preference test, preferences were measured again following a period of forced choice (where rats were given the supplemented saline only) and again following a period of deprivation (where rats were given the unsupplemented saline only). All three independent variables (flavor, forced-choice and deprivation) played roles in determining self-administration of corticosterone. Results from the initial preference test demonstrated that both groups preferred the maple-flavored saline whether it contained corticosterone or not. However, consumption of corticosterone-supplemented saline regardless of flavor increased following both forced-choice and deprivation suggesting that the adrenalectomized rats were controlling their corticosterone levels. Strong negative correlations were found between intake of corticosterone-supplemented saline and body weight suggesting that the adrenalectomized rat may be controlling corticosterone levels based on some correlate of body weight.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 53-59 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Physiology and Behavior |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1985 |
Keywords
- Adrenalectomy
- Body weight
- Corticosterone
- Flavor
- Food intake
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology (medical)
- Behavioral Neuroscience