| Abstract: | Describes a refined method for inducing and measuring salt appetite for studying behavioral and neurological functions. The efficiency and reliability of the procedures were demonstrated by parametric studies comparing the appetite behaviors of male and female rats. The method for inducing salt appetite coupled 2 days of dietary sodium deprivation with a brief diuretic treatment. The measurement procedure involved a 2-hr period of access to one of several NaCl solutions differing in palatability or concentration. The induction procedure allowed precise control of drive levels, and the measurement procedure yielded highly reliable results as a function of the properties of the incentives. 32 female mongrel rats consistently ingested about twice as much NaCl solution as did 32 male Ss, regardless of the palatability of the solution or of body sodium levels. At the same time, female Ss lost less sodium in urine following diuretic treatment. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
