TOLUENE AND WEASEL (2-PROPYLTHIETANE) ODORS SUPPRESS FEEDING IN THE RAT

The odors of toluene and 2-propylthietane have been shown to elicit fa st wave bunts of 15-30 Hz in the olfactory bulb and dentate gyrus of r ats. The odors of cadaverine, butyric acid, and caproic acid were foun d to be ineffective by comparison. The present study investigated feed ing in rats offered a choice between food pellets treated with one of the above mentioned odors or untreated pellets. Unscented pellets were also presented in a control condition. The results indicate that 2-pr opylthietane or toluene scented food is avoided; cadaverine scented fo od is preferred; but caproic acid and butyric acid scents have no effe ct. Toluene and 2-propylthietane may activate central pathways involve d in predator detection/avoidance, while cadaverine may activate pathw ays involved in approach and feeding behavior.