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Amiloride does not alter NaCl avoidance in Fischer-344 rats
J P Chappell1, S J St John, A C Spector
1Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA.
Chemical Senses
|May 20, 1998
Summary
Fischer-344 rats avoid salt (NaCl) due to their entire chorda tympani (CT) nerve input, not just the amiloride-sensitive part. This finding clarifies salt taste perception mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Science
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Fischer-344 rats exhibit unique salt (NaCl) taste aversion, unlike other rat strains.
- Electrophysiological studies indicate amiloride partially blocks NaCl-evoked responses in the chorda tympani (CT) nerve.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the amiloride-sensitive component and the entire chorda tympani (CT) input in NaCl taste aversion in Fischer-344 rats.
- To determine if amiloride or CT transection alters NaCl preference in these rats.
Main Methods:
- Two-bottle preference tests were conducted using NaCl solutions (0.068-0.273 M).
- Fischer-344 rats were tested with NaCl dissolved in water, 100 microM amiloride solution, or following CT transection.
Main Results:
- Amiloride (100 microM) did not significantly affect the NaCl preference-aversion function.
- Transection of the chorda tympani (CT) nerve significantly reduced NaCl avoidance in Fischer-344 rats.
Conclusions:
- The amiloride-sensitive component of the NaCl response is not essential for Fischer-344 rats to avoid salt.
- The entire chorda tympani (CT) nerve input plays a crucial role in mediating NaCl avoidance in Fischer-344 rats.