LiCl-induced selective depression of saccharin drinking in the mouse

Water-deprived mice were injected with various concentrations of LiCl or NaCl 15 min before they were allowed to drink either water or 0.1% saccharin. The NaCl injections produced a dose-dependent increase in intake of both fluids: however, the higher dosages of LiCl produced a selective depression of fluid intakes. Saccharin intakes were depressed for less than one hr but water intakes were not affected. LiCl injections also depressed general activity and produced an apparent shift of water from blood into cells. The LiCl-induced depression of saccharin was not significantly influenced by extensive previous experience with the drinking fluid.