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Sucrose solution concentration and the intermittent access induced consumption increase
Roelof Eikelboom1, Randelle Hewitt1, Kerry L Adams1
1Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.
Physiology & Behavior
|November 6, 2021
Summary
Intermittent access to preferred foods, like sucrose solutions, increases their value for rats. This effect can be long-lasting and impact consumption patterns, potentially relating to human eating behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Animal behavior
- Physiological psychology
Background:
- Animals often consume less preferred food with daily access compared to intermittent access.
- Previous studies indicate that the frequency of food access influences consumption patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the 'intermittency effect' on sucrose solution consumption in rats.
- To determine how varying sucrose concentrations and access schedules affect intake.
- To explore the long-lasting impact of intermittent access on food preference and value.
Main Methods:
- Adult male rats were exposed to different sucrose concentrations (1%, 4%, 8%, 16%) under daily or every-third-day access schedules.
- Consumption was measured over 23-hour periods.
- Subsequent experiments manipulated access schedules and sucrose concentrations to assess lasting effects.
Main Results:
- A significant intermittency effect, increasing consumption, was observed specifically with a 4% sucrose solution.
- Rats with prior intermittent access (every third day) showed a pronounced elevation in 4% sucrose consumption when switched from daily access.
- The heightened value for sucrose appeared long-lasting but was dependent on testing conditions.
Conclusions:
- Intermittent access can induce a persistent increase in the perceived value of a preferred food for rats.
- This effect is concentration-dependent and may require specific testing conditions to be fully evident.
- Findings offer insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of food reward and may inform understanding of human obesity and binge eating disorders.
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