Interanimal Transferability of Taste Aversion Learning for 0.1% Saccharin

Abstract

Three experiments were performed to assess the interanimal transferability of conditioned taste aversion to 0.1% saccharin. Two experiments used an intracerebrospinai fluid (subdural) route for administering brain extracts and a third used an intraperitoneal (IP) route. As assessed by repeated measurements ANOVA, saccharin consumption was significantly lower during extinction of conditioned aversion for experimental recipients (ER) receiving extracts from aversively conditioned donors, than that of control recipients (CR), receiving extracts from unconditioned donors in one subdural experiment, F(21, 189) = 1.61, p<0.05. In the IP experiment the results were in the same direction, though not significant, F(34, 238) = 1.39, p<0.1. Results of the other subdural experiment are discussed. It is concluded that these experiments with the conditioned taste aversion paradigm have potential as a model for investigations of behavioral interanimal transfer (BIT) and for neuromolecular research aimed at identification of associated putative neurochemical(s) and the elaboration of their mechanism of action.

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Notes on contributors

Lawrence Scrima

Joyce Laing works in the Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Playfield House, Cupar, Fife, and is a Consultant Art Therapist to Psychiatric Hospitals and Prisons and Chairwoman of the Scottish Society of Art and Psychology.