INTAKE OF DIETARY SUCROSE OR FAT REDUCES AMPHETAMINE DRINKING IN RATS

The effects of intake of a palatable food source on oral amphetamine i ntake were assessed in adult male Long-Evans rats. In Experiment 1, si x rats were given an amphetamine sulfate solution (0.1 mg/ml) and four rats were given water as their sole source of fluid. Rats were given a choice of chow and granulated sucrose for a week, alternated with we eks when only chow was fed. Tn Experiment 2, eight rats were given the amphetamine solution, and four rats water to drink. Rats were fed cho w and hydrogenated vegetable fat for a week alternated with weeks when only chow was available. In both experiments, rats drank significantl y less of the amphetamine solution when the palatable food choice was available than when given only chow to eat. Intake of palatable foods had a significantly smaller effect on water intake. In both experiment s, rats drinking the amphetamine solution took in less fluid and less calories and gained less weight than rats drinking water. However, in Experiment 1, when sucrose was available, rats drinking amphetamine co nsumed a significantly greater proportion of their calories as sucrose than rats drinking water. Similarly, in Experiment 2, rats drinking t he amphetamine solution chose a significantly greater percentage of th eir calories as fat than rats drinking water. These results demonstrat e that intake of sucrose or fat leads to a significant reduction in am phetamine intake, and that the anorectic effects of amphetamine are no t equivalent for different types of foods.