The effects of various barbiturates on LiCl induced taste aversion.

The effects of various barbiturates on LiCl induced taste aversion were examined. Rats were adapted to a 23 hr and 50 min water deprivation schedule. On the Treatment Day, animals were offered a novel 0.125% saccharin solution and then administered 3.0 mEq/kg LiCl. The saccharin solution was presented again on three subsequent Test Days. Fifteen minutes prior to drinking on the first Test Day animals were injected subcutaneously with either 10, 30, and 50 mg/kg Amobarbital, 3, 9, and 15 mg/kg Pentobarbital, 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg Barbital, or 1, 3, and 9 mg/kg Hexobarbital. Results indicate that only 30 mg/kg of Amobarbital and 15 mg/kg of Pentobarbital significantly attenuated the magnitude of taste aversion.