MODIFICATION OF SALT-SEEKING BEHAVIOR IN ADRENALECTOMIZED RAT VIA GAMMA-RAY IRRADIATION

Based on the potent effects of irradiation as a UCS in producing conditioned taste aversion to various foods, an attempt was made to establish a conditioned salt aversion in 40 male Sprague-Dawley adrenalectomized rats. Results indicate that pairing 300 r. of CO60 with salt drinking will produce salt aversion even under conditions of severe salt need. Although the aversion persisted statistically for about 1 wk., by Day 7 the salt-irradiated Ss imbibed quantities of salt commensurate with controls. These Ss concomitantly gained weight and none died. Results are compared to a case of nonregulatory salt hunger in the adrenalectomized rat. (22 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.