Skip to main content
Log in

Differences in bitter taste perception in three strains of rats

  • Published:
Behavior Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Micromolar concentrations of cycloheximide (CH) can be used to test for genetic differences in the ability to taste bitter substances. Three related strains of rats — Fawn-hooded, Long Evans, and Wistar — differ significantly in their ability to taste this substance, the former being unusually deficient in this respect. Wistar and Long Evans rats are able to perceive millimolar concentrations of phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and 0.2 μM CH. FH animals are unable to detect millimolar PTC and first recognize CH when it is present in 1.5 μM concentration.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bellin, J. S., and Sorrentino, J. M. (1974). Kinetic characteristics of monoamine oxidase and serum cholinesterase in several related rat strains.Biochem. Genet. 11:309–312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Booth, D. A., and Simson, P. C. (1973). Aversion to a cue acquired by its association with effects of an antibiotic in the rat.J. Comp. Physiol. Psychol. 84:319–323.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, R. A., Ford, E. B., and Huxley, J. A. (1939). Taste-testing the anthropoid apes.Nature 144:750–752.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser, D. (1972). Untersuchungen über die Geschmakswirking von Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) bei Primaten.Folia Primatol. 18:27–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein, T. W., and DeFries, J. C. (1970). Similar polymorphism of taste sensitivity to PTC in mice and man.Nature 225:555–557.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kusano, T., Kasahara, Y., and Kawamura Y. (1971). A study on taste effectiveness of cycloheximide as a repellent to rats.Appl. Exptl. Zool. 6:40–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Levine, P., and Anderson, A. S. (1932). Observations on taste blindness.Science 75:495–498.

    Google Scholar 

  • Omura, K., Takaji, S. F., and Harada, O. (1961). On the mechanism of the repellent action of naramycin to rats.Gunma J. Med. Sci. 10:217–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richter, C. P., and Clisby, K. H. (1941). Phenylthiocarbamide taste thresholds of rats and human beings.Am. J. Physiol. 134:157–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spuhler, J. N. (1967).Genetic Diversity and Human Behavior, Viking Fund Publications in Anthropology No. 45, New York.

  • Sunderland, E. (1966). The tasting of phenylthiocarbamide in selected populations in the United Kingdom.Eugen. Rev. 58:143–148.

    Google Scholar 

  • Traub, R., DeWitt, J. B., Welch, J. F., and Newman, D. (1950). Toxicity and repellency to rats of actidione.J. Am. Pharm. Ass. Sci. Ed. 39:552–555.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tschopp, T. B., and Zucker, M. B. (1972). Hereditary defect in platelet function in rats.Blood 40:217–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vessell, E. S. (1969). Recent progress in pharmacogenetics.Advan. Pharmacol. Chemotherop. 7:1–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheatcroft, P. E. J., and Thornburn, C. C. (1972). Toxicity of the taste testing compound phenylthiocarbamide.Nature New Biol. 235:93–94.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tobach, E., Bellin, J.S. & Das, D.K. Differences in bitter taste perception in three strains of rats. Behav Genet 4, 405–410 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01066160

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01066160

Key words

Navigation