Intravenous morphine self-administration by rats with low versus high saccharin preferences

An experiment was performed to determine the relationship between saccharin preference and the self-administration of morphine via the oral and intravenous routes. On the basis of voluntary intake of a saccharin solution by male rats, low and high preference groups were formed. Rats selected for high saccharin preference self-administered more morphine intravenously than rats selected for low preference. The two groups did not differ in oral morphine intake. The positive relationship between the intake of saccharin and intravenous morphine self-administration may be due to their mediation by a common mechanism. Measures of taste sensitivity or preference may be useful in identifying individuals at risk for drug abuse.