Abstract
Two experiments explored the reinforcing effect of ethanol on conditioned location and flavor preferences in hungry rats. In Experiment 1, rats were administered ethanol (.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g/kg, ig) prior to confinement in one side of a shuttlebox with access to a flavored solution. On control trials, H2O was administered prior to confinement to the opposite side with a different flavored solution. Location choice tests revealed an overall aversion for the ethanol-associated side that was largest at the 2.0-g/kg dose. Flavor choice tests revealed an aversion for the ethanol-associated flavor at the 2.0-g/kg dose, no reliable difference at the 1.0-g/kg dose, and, of particular interest, a preference at the .5-g/kg dose. The results of Experiment 2 suggest that caloric restoration served as the reinforcing mechanism for the conditioned flavor preference. An isocaloric glucose solution conditioned a flavor preference of the same magnitude as that obtained with ethanol. Moreover, when ethanol provided no caloric advantage, the associated flavor was less preferred than a flavor associated with an isocaloric glucose solution.
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This research was supported by National Institutes of Health Research Orant USPHS NS 11618 and Program Grants HD 05958 and AA 03513.
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Sherman, J.E., Hickis, C.F., Rice, A.G. et al. Preferences and aversions for stimuli paired with ethanol in hungry rats. Animal Learning & Behavior 11, 101–106 (1983). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03212315
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03212315