Influence of pregnancy and lactation on Na appetite of BALB/c mice

The effect of pregnancy and lactation on sodium appetite, water, and food intake of young adult BALB/c mice was studied. Voluntary sodium intake increased fourfold during the last 3 days of gestation. Water and food intake and body weight also increased significantly. During the last 14 days of lactation, sodium intake was increased significantly three- to fivefold, relative to base-line period and a control group. Large significant increase of water and food intake occurred also during lactation. After weaning, intake returned to base line. Calculation of sodium sequestered in young in utero and provided to pups during lactation showed increased voluntary intake in great excess of metabolic need, suggestive of hormonal determination of sodium appetite during reproduction as in wild rabbits.