IMPAIRED RESPONSES TO SWEET TASTE IN VITAMIN-A-DEFICIENT RATS

In brief-exposure, two-choice preference tests (sucrose solution vwate r), vitamin A-deficient (VAD) rats exhibited a decreased preference fo r sucrose relative to control rats, There was no difference in total f luid intake from both choices between the two groups, nor was any sign ificant difference found in circumvallate taste papilla keratin size. It is concluded that the impaired preference for sucrose in VAD rats i s due to a specific impairment in taste sensation rather than general malaise. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Company.