Septal lesion and experiential influences on saline and saccharin preference-aversion functions

Relatively high (unpalatable) concentrations of saline or saccharin (independent studies) presented in 24 hr choices with water were found to more markedly and persistently suppress the subsequent preference of septal-lesioned rats for lower concentrations when compared with any such shifts in preference displayed by operated-control rats. These data were used to support the notion that the septal region is involved with a comparator mechanism which affects the animal's response to various external and internal cues guiding consumption. In addition, wide individual differences in both groups were presented and discussed to emphasize that future studies should be designed to clarify those uncontrolled genetic and/or early experience variables which must serve, at least in part, to differentially bias the adult animal's consummatory choice behavior.