Post-ingestive positive controls of ingestive behavior

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Science
• Physiology

Background:

• Post-ingestive nutrient actions typically inhibit ingestive behavior by promoting satiety.
• However, emerging evidence suggests nutrients can also positively influence ingestion through learned associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of post-ingestive nutrient administration in positively conditioning flavor preference and acceptance.
• To examine the effects of carbohydrate infusions on subsequent intake behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Rats were trained to consume a flavored solution.
• Intragastric infusions of carbohydrates were administered concurrently with solution consumption.
• Intake volume, drinking bout characteristics, and lick patterns were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Carbohydrate infusions significantly increased the intake of the flavored solution.
• Drinking bout size, number, lick rate, and burst size were also elevated.
• These results indicate a positive conditioning effect of post-ingestive nutrients.

Conclusions:

• Post-ingestive nutrient actions can stimulate ingestive behavior by enhancing flavor learning and acceptance.
• The concentration of nutrients plays a critical role in determining whether intake is stimulated or inhibited.
• Theoretical models of ingestive behavior must incorporate these positive post-ingestive feedback mechanisms.