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Lesions of the central nucleus of the amygdala decrease taste threshold for sodium chloride in rats.
Jinrong Li1, Jianqun Yan, Ke Chen
1Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China. jqyan810@gmail.com
Brain Research Bulletin
|July 17, 2012
Summary
Lesions of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in rats enhanced their sensitivity to salty tastes. This suggests the CeA plays a role in processing the intensity of salt gustation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gustatory System Research
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research indicated reduced sodium chloride (NaCl) intake in rats with central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) lesions.
- This reduction may stem from altered NaCl taste thresholds, a key aspect of taste function.
- The central nucleus of the amygdala's role in salt taste perception requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the effect of central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) lesions on the taste threshold for sodium chloride (NaCl).
- To investigate the involvement of the CeA in encoding the intensity of NaCl gustation.
Main Methods:
- Established a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) to 0.1M NaCl in rats with CeA lesions and sham-lesioned controls.
- Conducted two-bottle choice tests using various NaCl concentrations to determine the NaCl taste threshold.
- Defined the taste threshold as the lowest concentration yielding a reliable difference score between conditioned and control subjects.
Main Results:
- Rats with CeA lesions acquired and retained a CTA to 0.1M NaCl.
- The NaCl taste threshold was significantly lower (0.0006M) in rats with CeA lesions compared to sham-lesioned rats (0.005M).
- CeA lesions did not impair the acquisition of conditioned taste aversion.
Conclusions:
- Lesions of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) increase salt taste sensitivity in rats.
- The CeA appears to be involved in encoding the intensity of gustatory stimuli elicited by NaCl.
- The CeA is not essential for the general profile of conditioned taste aversion.
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