EFFECTS OF BENZODIAZEPINE RECEPTOR LIGANDS ON THE INGESTION OF SUCROSE, INTRALIPID, AND MALTODEXTRIN - AN INVESTIGATION USING A MICROSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF LICKING BEHAVIOR IN A BRIEF CONTACT TEST

Microstructural analysis of licking behavior in the rat was conducted (a) to describe in detail the characteristics of benzodiazepine-induce d changes in ingestion and (b) to determine if the changes are consist ent with an alteration in palatability. The effects of the benzodiazep ine receptor (BZR) agonist midazolam (0.3-3 mg/kg), and the partial in verse agonist Ro 15-4513 (0.3-3 mg/kg), on licking for several concent rations of sucrose, Intralipid, and maltodextrin in a brief contact te st a:ere investigated. Midazolam increased the total number of licks f or all 3 fluids; conversely, Ro 15-4513 decreased the total number of licks. Midazolam increased mean bout duration for sucrose and maltodex trin drinking and there was a trend toward a similar effect with Intra lipid drinking. Ro 15-4513 reduced mean bout duration for all 3 test f luids. These data are discussed in terms of bidirectional changes in f luid palatability by drug actions at BZRs.