Abstract
In three experiments, groups of rats were subjected to the procedures of classical taste aversion testing using morphine injections as the unconditioned stimulus. Subsequently, rats’ consumption of sweetened morphine solutions was tabulated. In both tests of taste aversion and of readiness to consume sweetened morphine solutions, there were marked individual differences in rats’ reactivity. The extent to which rats drank the flavored solution that had previously been paired with morphine injections was related to initial tendencies to consume sweetened morphine solutions. Extent of taste aversions established with lithium chloride, in a dose known to be poisonous, was greater than extent of aversions established with morphine. Extent of aversions following lithium injections was not related to consumption of morphine solutions. Rats’ readiness to consume morphine solutions is probably related to initial negative consequences that may accompany assimilation of morphine.
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This study was supported by Grant DA01049 from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, DHEW.
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Gorman, J.E., Obaldia, R.N.D., Scott, R.C. et al. Morphine injections in the taste aversion paradigm: Extent of aversions and readiness to consume sweetened morphine solutions. Psychobiology 6, 101–109 (1978). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03326702
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03326702