The metabolic effects of sodium depletion in calves on salt appetite assessed by operant methods

1. Sodium deficiency was induced in calves by unilateral exteriorization of the parotid duct, the continual loss of alkaline saliva from the body to the environment causing negative sodium balance. 2. The metabolic effect of negative sodium balance was seen in statistically significant reduction in plasma sodium and blood bicarbonate, together with marked acidosis and reduced plasma osmolality. 3. The homoeostatic response to sodium depletion was associated with a reversal of sodium/potassium ratio in parotid saliva and a reduction of the rate of secretion. Appetite diminished. The extracellular fluid was halved as marked diuresis developed with considerable weight loss. Urinary and faecal sodium was reduced to zero. 4. On restoration of sodium balance by allowing the calves to drink sodium bicarbonate solutions the metabolic deviations were eliminated. 5. During sodium depletion the parotid gland was able to respond to transient reflex stimulation by increasing flow rate and the sodium concentration of the saliva. 6. When sodium depleted, the calves became restless and agitated and would run from the home pen to the operant procedure stand. The sodium depleted animals readily pressed a panel for sodium bicarbonate rewards in direct proportion to the degree of sodium imbalance. When the balance was restored the motivation to work for sodium bicarbonate disappeared. 7. The motivation which developed during sodium depletion was directed specifically towards the sodium ion. Lithium was an exception to this rule and sodium carbonate was aversive. 8. It is possible that in sodium depletion the glottal sodium taste receptors develop an enhanced threshold for sodium ions because of the reduced sodium content of the saliva. This effect would be abolished when the content of sodium was restored in saliva. 9. The correlation of operant reactions and sodium depletion suggests that the consequential metabolic effects activate changes in the central nervous system. 10. The metabolic changes which develop in parallel with the severity of the sodium deficit appear to be able to evoke behavioural changes with increase in salt appetite directed towards restoration of sodium balance.