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Granisetron attenuates exercise-induced conditioned taste aversion in the rat
1School of Psychology, University of Ulster (Jordanstown), Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 OQB, Northern Ireland.
Appetite
|June 2, 2005
Summary
Exercise can create a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) in rats. However, granisetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, significantly reduces this exercise-induced CTA to both salty and sour tastes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is a learned response to avoid flavors associated with negative experiences.
- Exercise can induce physiological changes that may influence taste perception and aversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron can attenuate exercise-induced CTA in rats.
- To explore the role of serotonin in mediating exercise-induced aversions.
Main Methods:
- Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups (N=6).
- Rats received injections of saline or granisetron (0.5mg/kg).
- Following injections, rats underwent 30 minutes of forced wheel running exercise, after which their intake of salty or sour solutions was measured.
Main Results:
- Exercise significantly induced CTA to both salty and sour solutions compared to a no-exercise control group.
- Granisetron administration significantly attenuated the exercise-induced CTA for both salty and sour solutions.
Conclusions:
- Exercise effectively produces a conditioned taste aversion in rats.
- The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron can mitigate exercise-induced taste aversions, suggesting a role for serotonin pathways.