TRICHLOROMETHANE-INDUCED TASTE-AVERSIONS IN MICE

Abstract

In experiment 1, 4 groups of 10 individually housed mice were given access to deionized water for 30 min daily. When fluid consumption stabilized, they were given 30-min access to a 0.3% saccharin solution. This was followed by oral doses of 3, 10 or 30 mg/kg trichloromethane (TCM) or the vehicle (Emulphor). Beginning 24 h later the subjects were given a 2-bottle choice test (saccharin vs. water) followed by the appropriate injection in that group. This procedure continued for 10 days. A dose of 30 mg/kg produced a taste aversion on the 1st choice test and a reduction in total fluid intake which continued throughout the 10 day test period, while doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg TCM or vehicle did not affect either measure. To determine whether the aversion produced by 30 mg/kg TCM was specific to gavage animals in experiment 2 received i.p. injections of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg TCM or vehicle. All TCM groups showed taste aversions which lasted for the 10 day test period. Although concomitant fluid reductions occurred for all doses on day 1, only the 100 mg/kg group maintained this drop throughout the 10 day test period. TCM produced taste aversions when given at relatively low doses by oral and i.p. routes of administration. [TCM or chloroform is a halogenated hydrocarbon that has been found to be a contaminant of drinking water purified by chlorination.].