Role of LiCl and environmental stimuli on generalized learned aversion to NaCl in the rat.

FSALAGURA, SAUL, AND DONALD F. SMITH. Role of LiCZ and entkonmental stimuli on general&d learned aversion to NaCl in th rat. A m. J+ Physiul. 219(5): 1231-1234. 1970.-Following the ing estion of a poisonous 0.12 M LiCl solution, rats learned to avoid an equimolar NaCl solution. This acquired aversion to NaCl was overcome most rapidly and to a greater degree when a physiological need for both water and sodium was produced by a subcutaneous injection of formalin. The aversion was also overcome when a need for water was produced by either water deprivation or a subcutaneous polyethylene glycol injection, or when a need for sodium was produced by adrenalectomy. Furthermore, a change of illumination from light to dark increased NaCl consumption, while the reverse was observed when illumination was changed from dark to light. These results demonstrate that external stimuli, such as lighting conditions, and internal stimuli, such as those arising from a physiological need for either sodium or water or both, can influence the acquired fluid preference behavior of rats.