Abstract
Gerbils, like rats, respond to subcutaneous formalin injections with a dramatic but transitory increase in NaCl drinking. Unlike with rats, this polydipsic response does not reach maximum for at least 72 h and is not dose-related; nor does it occur with repeated testing. Since the adrenalectomized gerbil has already been shown to respond differently to NaCl when compared to the adrenalectomized rat, the results of these experiments are not particularly surprising. However, the fact that the control Ss injected subcutaneously with isotonic saline in all three experiments also increased NaCl ingestion is perplexing. The sodium reservoir hypothesis and electrolyte metabolism stability in desert mammals may explain some of these findings.
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Cullen, J.W. Sodium intake in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) consequent to subcutaneous formalin injections. Psychon Sci 26, 279–282 (1972). https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328618
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03328618