Intraperitoneal administration of baclofen increases consumption of both solid and liquid diets in rats

Abstract

It has previously been demonstrated that systemic administration of the GABA B receptor agonist baclofen increases food intake but decreases water intake in rats. In the present study, the effects of baclofen (2–4 mg/kg i.p.) were investigated on food intake in non-deprived rats given access to either pelleted food ( n = 8) or a palatable liquid diet ( n = 8). Baclofen (2–4 mg/kg i.p.) significantly increased the consumption of both the pelleted and the liquid foods. The increased intake of the liquid diet (i) argues against the involvement of non-specific gnawing in the increased consumption of the solid food by baclofen, and (ii) suggests that the inhibition of water intake produced by baclofen is not due to interference with the mechanical aspects of drinking, such as licking on a drinking spout, or the swallowing of liquid.