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Flavor preference produced by intragastric polycose infusions in rats using a concurrent conditioning procedure
D B Drucker1, K Ackroff, A Sclafani
1Department of Psychology, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, Brooklyn 11210.
Physiology & Behavior
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Rats learned to prefer a flavor paired with nutrient infusions over a flavor paired with water, even when both were available simultaneously. This demonstrates nutrient-based flavor preference conditioning.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Animal Studies
Background:
- Previous research showed rats prefer flavors linked to nutrients when presented separately.
- The current study investigated if this preference forms when flavors are concurrently available.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if nutrient-based flavor preference can be established when both flavors are concurrently available.
- To assess the conditioning of flavor preference through intragastric nutrient infusions.
Main Methods:
- Adult female rats received chronic gastric catheters.
- Flavors were paired with intragastric (IG) infusions of nutrients (Polycose) or water.
- Rats had ad lib access to chow and two distinct flavored solutions.
Main Results:
- Seven out of eight rats developed a strong preference for the nutrient-paired flavor (CS+).
- CS+ preference increased significantly from 53% on day 1 to 95% by day 8.
- Discrete flavor-consequence experiences facilitated conditioning, with one rat achieving 97% preference after additional training.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent availability of flavors does not prevent nutrient-based flavor preference conditioning.
- Intragastric nutrient infusions effectively establish a learned preference for associated flavors.
- The findings support the role of internal postingestive feedback in shaping learned flavor preferences.