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Voluntary sodium chloride consumption by mice: differences among five inbred strains
A A Bachmanov1, M G Tordoff, G K Beauchamp
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-3308, USA. Bachmanov@monell.org
Behavior Genetics
|May 16, 1998
Summary
Mouse strain differences in salt (NaCl) acceptance were observed. NZB/B1NJ mice showed higher NaCl intake than CBA/J mice, with other strains intermediate, suggesting genetic influences on salt preference.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
Background:
- Sodium chloride (NaCl) intake is crucial for physiological homeostasis.
- Understanding genetic contributions to salt preference is vital for studying salt-related behaviors and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate voluntary sodium chloride (NaCl) intake variations across five distinct mouse strains.
- To determine if NaCl concentration series (increasing vs. decreasing) influence acceptance.
- To identify strain-specific preferences for dilute and concentrated NaCl solutions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two-bottle choice tests comparing NaCl solutions with water.
- Administered series of progressively increasing and decreasing NaCl concentrations (37.5-600 mM).
- Conducted extended tests with fixed concentrations (300 mM and 75 mM NaCl).
Main Results:
- NZB/B1NJ mice consistently exhibited higher NaCl acceptance than CBA/J mice across all conditions.
- SM/J, 129/J, and C57BL/6ByJ strains showed intermediate NaCl intake, varying by concentration.
- Low NaCl concentrations were avoided by CBA/J and C57BL/6ByJ, but accepted by NZB/B1NJ, SM/J, and 129/J mice. High NaCl concentrations were avoided by all except NZB/B1NJ.
Conclusions:
- Significant genetic variation exists in NaCl acceptance among mouse strains.
- Separate genetic factors may control the acceptance of dilute versus concentrated NaCl solutions.
- These findings provide a basis for further research into the genetic architecture of salt taste and preference.