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Opiate blockade inhibits saccharin intake and blocks normal preference acquisition
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|April 1, 1986
Summary
Opioid systems are activated by taste, influencing feeding behaviors. Blocking opioid receptors with naloxone (NAL) affects saccharin preference, demonstrating a link between taste and opioid function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oral sensory input influences feeding motivation.
- Opiate drugs affect gustatory motivation.
- Gustatory stimuli can activate central opioid receptor systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of opioid receptor blockade on drinking behavior motivated by saccharin.
- To determine if taste stimuli activate endogenous opioid systems.
- To examine the relationship between opioid and gustatory sensory systems.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted using naloxone (NAL) to block opioid receptors.
- Dose-response functions for NAL inhibition of saccharin intake were established.
- NAL's effectiveness was studied in relation to saccharin concentration and preference acquisition.
Main Results:
- Naloxone demonstrated high sensitivity in non-deprived animals, with a median effective dose (MED50) below 0.1 mg/kg.
- NAL's effectiveness was dependent on saccharin concentration, being most potent near the preference threshold.
- Daily NAL injections blocked the acquisition of saccharin preference.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous opioid systems are activated by taste stimuli in a graded manner.
- Opioid receptor systems play a significant role in mediating the effects of taste on feeding behavior.
- A strong functional connection exists between opioid and gustatory sensory systems.