Preference for sodium chloride over lithium chloride by adrenalectomized rats

¹ Department of Psychology, Ripon College, Ripon, Wisconsin, and Department of Zoology, University of North Carolina at Raleigh, Raleigh, North Carolina

The experiment tested the hypothesis that adrenalectomized rats can discriminate, as measured by preference, between equimolar NaCl and LiCl solutions on the basis of taste. An adrenalectomized experimental group was given long-term, two-bottle drinking tests with NaCl opposite distilled water, and later with LiCl opposite distilled water. In a subsequent series of brief two-bottle tests, the rats selected NaCl over LiCl more frequently and in greater quantities. Control groups lacking either prior experience with LiCl opposite distilled water or adrenalectomy failed to manifest the preference. Presumably, the experimental group acquired the ability to discriminate between the solutions in the preliminary long-term drinking tests in which there was ample opportunity for the rats to experience the differential postingestional effects of the compounds.

Key Words: adrenalectomy • LiCl • NaCl • taste preference

Submitted on January 27, 1964