Alterations in consummatory behavior of mice produced by dietary exposure to inorganic lead

Mice suckled by mothers given tap water and by mothers given a 5 mg/ml lead acetate solution during lactation were given a choice between tap water and a lead acetate solution after lactation. All offspring demonstrated an immediate aversion to the lead acetate solution. The offspring from the mothers receiving lead acetate during lactation demonstrated a greater aversion to the lead acetate solution than did the offspring from mothers receiving tap water. In addition, the lead acetate offspring drank more total fluid (tap water plus lead acetate solution) after weaning than the control offspring. The results indicate both learned and unlearned changes in motivation for fluid following ingestion of lead via the mother's milk in infancy.