Severe reduction in food intake by pregnant rats resembles a learned food aversion.
To assess the effects of sucrose, low levels of dietary protein, and pregnancy on food intake, sixty-four female rats were assigned to eight groups in a 2 X 2 X 2 design. Food, water, and sucrose intake and rats' weights were measured daily. Pregnant rats offered sucrose with low protein (8%) diets did not maintain adequate weight gain during pregnancy; 25% of these subjects perished during the last days of pregnancy. These results have implications for human populations that have high birth rates and diets that are deficient in protein. A hormonal mechanism which regulates appetite or taste preferences during pregnancy is postulated and a "learned food aversion" interpretation is given for the data.
Department of Psychology, Wittenberg University, Springfield, OH 45501.
J F
JF
Wilson
D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D001835:Body Weight; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013395:Sucrose / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D013395:Sucrose