SALT TASTE SENSATION IN WISTAR RATS CONSUMING SALT SOLUTIONS OF DIFFERENT MOLARITY

Abstract

Innate tendency to consume salt to maintain sodium balance is observed in all species of animals. Over consumption of salt may be lethal. In this study, the function of salty taste sensation in the face of consuming salt concentrations was evaluated. Methods: 120 adult Wistar rats, weighing 300±20 g were allocated to six groups. Test groups consumed 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 M salt concentrations as drinking water and control group used potable water. The rate of water intake and salt concentrations consumption among different groups was calculated during five days and considered as the main parameter for evaluation of the salty taste sensation. Results: The rate of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 M salt concentrations consumption were increased 68%, 75% and 32% respectively and the groups maintained on 1 and 2 M salt concentrations showed 56 and 88 percent decrease respectively. Conclusion: 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 M salt concentrations did not provoke animal’s avoidance and since thirst sensation was not suppressed, animals showed an excessive tendency to drink salt concentrations. But 1 and 2 M salt concentrations stimulated salty taste sensation strongly. The neuralgic protective mechanisms provide an important protective function against drinking these salt concentrations.