Conditioned taste aversion as a function of age in mature male rats

Abstract

Experimental groups of young mature (90–120 days), mature (365–395 days), and aged (730–760 days) Fischer-344 rats were allowed to drink a saccharin solution followed by lithium chloride toxicosis initiated at one of three intervals, either 15, 60, or 240 minutes. Control groups were given saline placebos according to the same schedule. In a preference test conducted 48 hours after conditioning, there was little evidence of age differences in the acquisition of a saccharin aversion. Age differences were noted in the extinction of the aversion which was tested by monitoring preference over a period of 32 days of continuous access to saccharin and water. Older animals tended to show greater resistance to extinction.