Conditioned taste aversion as an index of lead toxicity

Rats treated with lead acetate following the consumption of a solution with a distinct taste exhibited an aversion to the initially consumed solution. Conditioned taste aversion was reliably induced with 10--20 mg/kg lead acetate. Repeated treatment with lead did not enhance this effect when measured either in forced or in free choice conditions. The utility of the taste aversion procedure for evaluation of toxic agents is discussed.