Flavor, forced choice and deprivation affect corticosterone selection by the adrenalectomized rat.
Adrenalectomized rats were given access to corticosterone-supplemented (20 micrograms/ml) and -unsupplemented saline (0.9% NaCl) in two separate bottles and preferences were measured for each. Half of the rats received corticosterone in maple-flavored saline (MAPLE group), while the other half received corticosterone in anise-flavored saline (ANISE group). Each rat also received unsupplemented saline in the alternate flavor. After an initial preference test, preferences were measured again following a period of forced choice (where rats were given the supplemented saline only) and again following a period of deprivation (where rats were given the unsupplemented saline only). All three independent variables (flavor, forced-choice and deprivation) played roles in determining self-administration of corticosterone. Results from the initial preference test demonstrated that both groups preferred the maple-flavored saline whether it contained corticosterone or not. However, consumption of corticosterone-supplemented saline regardless of flavor increased following both forced-choice and deprivation suggesting that the adrenalectomized rats were controlling their corticosterone levels. Strong negative correlations were found between intake of corticosterone-supplemented saline and body weight suggesting that the adrenalectomized rat may be controlling corticosterone levels based on some correlate of body weight.
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000502:physiology*; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000502:physiology; D004326:Drinking; D004435:Eating; D005518:Food Preferences; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012646:Self Administration
D003345:Corticosterone