NaCl appetite of adrenalectomized rats.

Abstract

SummaryIn single-choice experiments adrenalectomized and normal rats were given choice between distilled water and each of a series of NaCl solutions. The NaCl appetite of adrenalectomized rats was shown to be concentration dependent. Adrenalectomized rats preferred NaCl solutions to water until the concentration of the salt solution was .35 M or greater. At these higher concentrations the rats preferred water to salt solution. Adrenalectomized rats ingested most NaCl solution (ml/100 g B.W./day) when the concentration was .15 M. These rats either lost weight or ceased to gain weight when low (.025 to .050 M) and high (.50 M) NaCl concentrations were given. Body weight of control rats was not influenced by the concentration of NaCl solution offered. Control rats preferred NaCl solution to water at all concentrations below .075 M. At concentrations greater than .15 M, the rats drank more water than NaCl solution. The greatest volume of NaCl solution (ml/100 g B. W./day) was ingested by control rats when a ...