Abstract
This study investigated the effect of sodium hunger on sodium aversion learning in rats. The animals were exposed to either to a 0.1 M, 0.2M, or 0.3M sodium chloride solution prior to poisoning in a sodium-deprived or non-deprived state. Taste aversion was assessed by measuring the intake of a 0.2 M sodium chloride solution during a non-deprived state. The test indicated that sodium hunger increased aversion, and that the aversion was a positive function of the sodium concentration used in the learning phase. These results suggest that a sodium hunger increases the intensity of the perception of a salty taste.
